Nominated to carry the flame on behalf of its Royal Patron Prince Harry, the essential disaster-relief charity MapAction was thrilled to take part in the prestigious Olympic Torch Relay.
(Mr. Ming getting some encouragement from the young Royals)
As he passed by Buckingham Palace, Wai-Ming Lee held the Olympic torch high as he was clapped and cheered on by Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Mr. Ming proudly bore the torch on behalf of MapAction, a unique non-governmental organization that provides important geographical data when disaster strikes, anywhere in the world. The charity boasts Prince Harry as its Royal Patron, and an active supporter of its good works – in fact, the young royal nominated Mr. Ming to take his place in the Torch Relay.
HRH Prince Harry congratulating Farhad Vladi (Vladi Private Islands) for the incorporation of MapAction in Germany.
Founded in 2002, MapAction is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, and can look back on a decade of success in provided essential, timely information to front-line workers in disasters like tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, and even violent conflicts. Ready and waiting 365 days a year, the charity’s volunteers fly out to crisis zones like Haiti, Indonesia and Africa to give their expertise in geographical information systems (GIS), or to put it another way, maps!
As a soldier and helicopter pilot, Prince Harry has a deep understanding of the importance the volunteer service that MapAction provides, and became the charity’s Royal Patron in 2007. Vladi Private Islands was also a perfect fit for MapAction, and started its German chapter in 2008. The company’s Hamburg-based store, Dr. Goetz Land & Karte, is a veritable treasure-trove of maps from all over the world, many of which are rare or give a uniquely detailed representation of isolated places, especially remote islands. MapAction Germany gives support to MapAction England with volunteers, expertise, and passes on donations from the public.
(Dr. Goetz Land & Karte, Hamburg)
As an active volunteer since 2004, Mr. Ming has given countless hours of tireless service to the distressed people MapAction helps, and when he’s not deployed in disaster-stricken zones, he works to boost the group’s technological capabilities at home base in the UK. “I am incredibly proud to carry the Olympic torch for MapAction,” he said. “In doing so, I am representing the tireless work of some 60 volunteers who contribute their mapping skills, so that lives can be saved in humanitarian emergencies.”
Visit the website for MapAction: www.mapaction.org
Explore Dr. Goetz Land & Karte: Link
