Boeing commits nearly $1M to Australian veterans’ organisations
Ø During 2017-2018, Boeing will provide financial support to Invictus Games Sydney 2018, the Australian War Memorial, Soldier On and a veterans’ scholarship fund
CANBERRA, Australia, 4 December 2017– As part of the company’s global commitment to veterans and their families, Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide nearly $1M over two years to support Australian veterans’ organisations and initiatives.
“In September, Boeing announced that our economic impact in Australia generated nearly $1.3bn for the economy in 2016; another important way to measure ourselves is how we give back to the community as a global business with a significant local presence here in Australia,” said Maureen Dougherty, president of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. “The fact is that veterans make us better – as a business and as a society – and there is no better time than at the end of Boeing’s 90th year in Australia to celebrate that fact and honour those who served in the defence of Australia and global security.”
The company’s newest sponsorship was announced today at Parliament House, where Boeing pledged significant financial support and employee volunteers for Invictus Games Sydney 2018, which will be held from 20-27 October 2018. The Games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for serving and veteran defence personnel who are striving to overcome physical and emotional challenges.
“Invictus Games Sydney 2018 promise to be a wonderful event and it serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible contributions and sacrifices made by our current and former servicemen and women and their families and friends,” Dougherty said.
“We are grateful to have Boeing with us on our journey to Invictus Games Sydney 2018. Together, our mission is to inspire the Australian community to embrace our wounded, injured and ill, their families and friends, and create a positive long term impact as we celebrate their unconquerable spirit,” said Patrick Kidd OBE, CEO of Invictus Games Sydney 2018.
Boeing will also support the Australian War Memorial with funding to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of Hamel, Soldier On with funding to its Family Support Program, and the American Australian Association’s Veterans’ Fellowship Fund, which will enable eligible veterans to enroll in an accredited course of one year’s duration or longer that leads to the award of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program at a tertiary institution.
Boeing backs up its strong belief in supporting veterans by funding charities that help provide for the emotional, physical and mental needs of former servicemen and women as well as organisations that assist service members who are transitioning to work in the private sector.
Across the globe, Boeing employs approximately 20,000 veterans – representing more than 15% of the company’s total workforce. In Australia, veterans make up more than 20% of the 2000-plus employees at its two defence subsidiaries: Boeing Defence Australia and Insitu Pacific.
Boeing employs more than 3,000 people in Australia who support the broadest aerospace portfolio in the country: advanced manufacturing for commercial aircraft components, defence platforms and communications systems, research and development (R&D), services and support, and unmanned systems. In 2016, Boeing generated nearly $1.3bn for Australia’s economy, spent $400M with its Australian supply chain and invested $47M in Australian R&D.
The Invictus Games is an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women, both active duty and veteran. The Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Games also recognise the critical role played by family and friends. “Invictus” is Latin for unconquered, and it embodies the fighting spirit and resilience of our service personnel. The Invictus Games Sydney 2018 is presented by Jaguar Land Rover.