| Honorary Life President Bill Gallagher then reported on his role, highlighting his work with the Public Relations and Communications sub-committee. He said: “Communication between members of our industry is vital for growth and a better understanding of our member nations.” He also challenged delegates to ensure that the WACS of today is better respected than the WACS of yesterday.
Gallagher then followed up with a presentation on the Disaster Relief Manual. The mission he outlined was for WACS to act as a conduit with its country members to help focus attention and where possible raise funds for disaster relief around the world.
In 2005, catastrophic disasters like the tsunami in Asia, the earthquake in Pakistan and India, and the devastating hurricanes that lashed the US and the Mexican Gulf highlighted how vulnerable we all are. When it comes to identifying disaster needs, the Board will accept all requests from member countries – these will be evaluated and forwarded to all members enlisting their support with the project if possible.
So far, WACS has done well in disaster relief efforts. The Dine Aid Tsunami efforts raised US$10,000. For Hurricane Katrina, hotel groups donated holidays and weekends at various hotels and resorts. These were sold to the public, raising US$5,000 that was donated to the hurricane victims. After the earthquake in Pakistan and India, relief ribbons were sold to raise US$5,000 that was donated to relief agencies for earthquake victims.
To recognise extraordinary efforts by WACS members, an Honorary President Humanitarian award will be given at each congress to a member country or individual to recognise the workload commitment and achievements that they have dedicated into disaster relief.
|
