Seattle City Wire

PeaceTrees Vietnam recently celebrated its 28th anniversary with a luncheon in Seattle, Washington. The event was marked by the support of airline catering company Flying Food Group (FFG) and its affiliate, The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust. Linda Kautz, who oversees corporate communications at FFG, expressed her pride in backing PeaceTrees' initiatives, according to a press release by the catering company.

"Flying Food Group and The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust are honored to support this outstanding organization," said Linda Kautz, who serves as the Corporate Communications Specialist for the company.

PeaceTrees Vietnam was established in 1995 by Danaan Parry and Jerilyn Brusseau following the personal tragedy of losing Lt. Daniel Cheney during the Vietnam War, according to the organization's website. It became the first U.S. organization allowed to sponsor humanitarian efforts to de-mine Vietnam post-war, with a mission to clear dangerous explosives and reclaim safe land for local inhabitants.

The connection between FFG and PeaceTrees was initiated through Mary Wagner, who had developed a close friendship with FFG founder Sue Gin. Wagner also forged strong relationships with several other members of the company. Wagner introduced FFG to PeaceTrees' work, leading to FFG's active contribution for over six years and positioning The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust as a top donor, the press release said. 

During the anniversary luncheon, PeaceTrees Vietnam acknowledged The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust, FFG, and FFG's current CEO David Cotton for their contributions. Kautz said that Peace Trees "promotes peace and cultivates a brighter future for the children and families of Vietnam," while also strengthening safety measures, education programs, and economic growth in the region. It also fosters friendship and understanding between Vietnamese and American citizens.

Forty thousand Vietnamese people have died and 67,000 have been injured due to post-war explosives, with one in five victims being children. PeaceTrees has cleared 3265 acres of land, planted over 44,000 trees, built 100 homes, 12 libraries, 20 kindergartens, and two community centers. It has also educated nearly 78,000 individuals about the risks of explosives, according to the press release. 

FFG is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and was established in 1983 by Sue Ling Gin, a first-generation Chinese American. The company provides food catering services to major airlines such as Air France, Aer Lingus, Lufthansa, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Air and TAP Air Portugal.

Before her death in 2014, Gin established a charitable trust that currently receives all company profits. The Sue Ling Gin Foundation Trust was formed with the aim of continuing Gin’s philanthropic initiatives and community support.