During a mission to the region, which was devastated by an earthquake in May 2008, the British Columbia First Nations Forestry Council leaders decided to donate a totem pole as a symbol of unity and hope for reconstruction and renewal.

The planning of this operation started in mid June and every step was taken into careful consideration, starting with the logistics at the airport, the type of truck to be used and a crane for unloading at the Museum, including the choice of fabric colour for the unveiling of the totem pole.

The totem pole operation began with the unloading and collection from Chengdu Airport, and delivery to the Sichuan Museum for the donation ceremony the next day. The momentous ceremonial event on 4 July was attended by the Governor General of Canada.

The very next day, the totem pole was safely delivered to Beichuan (200km from Chengdu) where it was erected at the location of the new Canadian-funded schools in Sichuan province.

Keith Ellis, Country Manager of AGS Four Winds China, commented: “It is not every day in our business that we come across an opportunity to be involved in something this special, and I am proud that our Chengdu office has been able to participate in an event that may not happen again in China. This was truly memorable and we look forward to the development of the new schools.”

Dedicated AGS staff tackled temperatures as low as minus five degrees celsius to support Bafana Bafana as they battled against the South Americans.

Sporting yellow and green, the colours of the South African national squad, the AGS Frasers Johannesburg team cheered on as they watched the match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.

The branch saw this as an opportunity to thank three of its top corporate clients, who were invited to join the AGS Frasers Johannesburg team in attending the match.

1. We are highly accredited

The international removals industry uses FAIM and ISO standards to measure a company’s service levels. AGS has 29 FAIM accredited offices, more than any other company in the industry, and almost all our subsidiaries are ISO 9001:2008 certified, a guarantee of our excellent service.

2. We offer consistent quality

AGS offers specialised national and international removals services. Our Global network of 125 branches in 75 countries means that our clients receive the best service from start to finish, as all our branches adhere to the same service standards.

3. Our staff is trained, skilled and professional

All AGS staff follow the company’s Quality Manual and are highly experienced in customs clearing and forwarding. Regular staff training equips our teams with the latest industry knowledge, and AGS was recently awarded with the Gold Supporter FIDI Academy award for promoting industry knowledge amongst staff.

4. We use top-notch packing material

Our packing material complies with FAIM standards. The materials are fitted to our client’s specific requirements, minimising damage to goods, and are always recycled.

5. Our priority is safety and security

We offer safe, palletized storage in our warehouses, which are secured, ventilated and protected against fire and pests.

6. Clients can rely on our financial stability as a group

Our branches benefit from the financial, human resource and technical support of a stable group and its global network.

7. Our innovative IT systems help clients track their move

State of the art IT technology allows our clients to track their move via a personalised online portal. This information is available to our branches at departure and arrival, ensuring easy access to information and allowing them to inform the client in real time.

8. AGS offers insurance to its clients

Insurance is an important aspect of any move, and AGS offers insurance to its clients for their peace of mind. Claims are dealt with swiftly and compensation depends on the value at which the client has insured the goods.

9. Our business is built on values and ethics

AGS is a socially and environmentally responsible company and actively participates in the UN’s Global Compact by adhering to good business practice in terms of human rights, the environment and anti-corruption. Our business supports sustainable development and encourages protection of the environment.

10. AGS always puts its clients first

Clients can provide feedback to us via our customer services tool, Mr GoodMove, which allows us to swiftly respond to their needs and continuously improve our levels of service. We welcome client feedback because AGS clients deserve the best.