Mackay Airport
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Travellers donate $1200 to tsunami appeal

Travellers and workers at Mackay Airport have given with their hearts to bolster The Daily Mercury Tsunami Relief Appeal to the tune of $1275.

Mackay Port Authority communications manager Colin Wilson said passengers have been shocked by the devastation and despair left in the wake of the killer waves that swamped our northern Asian neighbours on Boxing Day.

The tsunami event -- one of the world’s worst natural disasters – has claimed almost is 150 000 men, women and children -- and left millions homeless.

Mr Wilson said the magnitude of the catastrophe was overwhelming.

“Many travellers have been stopping to talk to security officers about their experiences in some of the worst hit areas such as Phuket in Thailand and in Sri Lanka,” he said.

“These people have experienced the beauty of these countries first hand and have been eager to support the appeal by tossing their “change” into a donation box at the entrance to the security departure lounge.

“Donations have ranged from a few coins to $50 notes,” he said.

The collection has been organised by Group Four security officers at the airport.

Since Saturday, Mackay’s travelling public and airport workers have donated $1275 in a bid to help the APN News and Media appeal reach its $1 million target. The money will be distributed in Sri Lanka by Care Australia.

Mr Wilson said security officers would continue to collect donations up until Friday afternoon.

“We have collected $1275 in five days – people are still giving generously – so the tally could easily reach $2000 by the end of the week,” he said.