Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu late on March 13, packing wind gusts of up to 320 kilometers (200 miles) an hour, causing widespread damage in the archipelago nation in the South Pacific Ocean. Vanuatu’s President Baldwin Lonsdale called the storm a ‘monster’ that killed dozens, destroyed 90 percent of the buildings in the capital and caused imminent food shortages. Aid agencies described conditions as among the most challenging they have ever faced.
Mindpearl, an award winning outsourcer, who operates an international contact centre in Suva, Fiji jumped into action when the reports started filtering in. With a number of their staff directly affected they wanted to ensure their staff received financial and emotional support during this difficult time. A Global Relief Fund was set up almost immediately, enabling donations from all Mindpearl’s centres. All donations were distributed to the staff and their families. In addition, counselling and support were provided on site and Mindpearl generously sponsored the costs of flights and transfer fees to send staff home to reconnect with their families.
This is what Lydia Metsan, one of the Mindpearl employees affected by the cyclone had to say, ‘I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and take this opportunity to thank Mindpearl for the initiative they took with this Global Relief Fund. These donations will make such a big difference to our families back home. Also thank you for giving us this opportunity to travel back home in order to deliver this money in person. We are sincerely touched and grateful for all the support.’
Mindpearl’s CEO, William Pattison said, ‘As a company we felt we could not just standby while our people were faced with such devastating circumstances. However, what has been the most heartening to see is how our staff has pulled together on a global level. I am immensely proud of this ‘Mindpearl family’, where support, concern and camaraderie extend beyond continents. Here’s to ‘Our people, Your brand’, in action! ‘
