When Bendigo business owner, Julie Andrews from Urthly Organics noticed a call out seeking donations for personal hygiene products for flood victims in the Lismore area, she immediately contacted her logistics and courier partner, Aramex.

“As an ethically minded business that produces handmade soaps, deodorant, and cleaning products, I wanted to do all I could to help but knew I needed support with getting the donated items delivered and distributed,” Andrews said.

“Our courier company, Aramex, has been amazing over the years and I was thrilled when they agreed to help cover the shipping costs.”

Aramex regional franchise manager, Rebecca Dajcic, was happy to help when she heard about the local donation drive. The two businesses quickly worked together to dispatch more than $3,000 worth of Urthly Organics products consisting of soap bars, hand and body wash, laundry powder, toothbrushes and tooth soap, to the Aramex Northern Rivers Regional Franchise, where they will be distributed via the relief centre in Newrybar Hall.

“Initially, Julie was concerned about how quickly she could get the products delivered due to road closures, however we’ve assured her that the situation is changing daily depending on weather conditions and Aramex is leveraging its extended network to ensure the donated packages are identified as soon as they arrive so they can be distributed as quickly as possible,” Dajcic said.

The Aramex Gold Coast depot is also helping the flood relief effort, donating bottled water and pet food to communities free of charge. Aramex Gold Coast partnered with long-term customer, Budget Pet Products, who donated two cages (1,500kg) of pet food. Aramex quickly dispatched the pet food along with 4,500 bottles of water, to its Lismore depot.

According to Karla Vanderpool from Budget Pet Products, “A key reason we started this business was to help ensure pets received better care but unfortunately during a disaster, relief efforts for animals often take a back seat to humanitarian efforts. Yet the unconditional love that pets provide owners is essential to many people’s recovery and well-being.”

Aramex Gold Coast continues to provide ongoing support by dispatching essential supplies each day, consisting of non-perishable food items, bottled water and nappies.

Julie Andrews from Bendigo’s Urthly Organics with local courier franchisee, Nathan Bird.