‘Books for Pakistan’ project receives freight support from TNT

Aug 14, 2006

When a Pakistan-based member of the University of Wollongong’s Arts Alumni contacted friends in the Faculty of Arts to advise that the October 2005 earthquake had badly affected resources at the University of Jammu and Kashmir, the decision was made to hold a book drive.

As well as the important humanitarian aspects involved in the project, members of the Arts Alumni Chapter believed the project would also provide an opportunity to make itself known to potential members as well as promoting the aim of including graduates of the Faculty in on-campus activities.

Initially, an email call was put out to all Faculty of Arts graduates asking for donations of second-hand academic texts that could be forwarded to the University in Pakistan. With the support of the University Alumni Officer, Ms Jocelin Kelly, the call for donation of books was extended across the university community.

In less than one month, the Arts Alumni had received many thousands of books, their content spread across a diverse range of academic disciplines. Among the generous donors was the UniBookshop which provided many unused texts.It was when all the books were boxed and packaged that members of the Arts Alumni realised they were faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem -- the accumulated mass of books measured four cubic metres. How could they arrange shipment of so many large and heavy boxes to their destination in Pakistan?

Thanks to the assistance provided by UOW’s Deputy Chancellor and Arts alumni member, Ms Sue Chapman, TNT has agreed to arrange shipment of the books to Lahore in Pakistan. Organisers say that without the support of TNT the project would not have “got off the ground”.

TNT Express, is the world’s leading express delivery company, transporting 3.5 millions parcels, documents and pieces of freight each week to more than 200 countries using its network of nearly 900 depots, hubs and sortation centres. Recognising its social responsibility, the company has formed partnerships with the United Nations World Food Program and the United Nations Environmental Program to fight hunger and pollution in the world.

Photo/filming opportunity: On Tuesday 15 August at 12.30pm (in Room 1064 of the Arts Building No.19) two representatives from TNT Express, Mr John Adamson, National Marketing Manager, and Mr Curtis Berry, Director of Operations, will visit the Faculty of Arts where they will take delivery of the books from the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Andrew Wells, and two members of the Arts Alumni, Shayne Kearney and June Aspley.

For further information about tomorrow’s event or the Arts Alumni contact Ms June Aspley on 4221 5581. Information about the University Alumni can be found at UOW Alumni or from Alumni Relations Manager, Ms Jocelin Kelly on 4221 4676.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128