easyJet and UNICEF‘s winter Change for Good campaign to raise much needed funds for the children of Syria – who face a third winter in crisis – will run until the end of January, so if you’re jetting off on for some fun on the slopes or a spot of winter sunshine; give generously.
Passengers onboard easyJet flights can donate their spare change and unwanted currency to UNICEF, and all public donations made on flights to and from the UK will be matched pound for pound by the UK government.
The match funding is part of the UK government’s wider support for UNICEF’s work, helping the children of Syria in what is currently the largest humanitarian operation in history. Close to six million Syrian children, more than one million of who are refugees, are in urgent need of aid. They’re living in desperate conditions and face a bitter few months ahead, when temperatures can fall as low as minus six.
The Change for Good partnership between easyJet and UNICEF has raised more than £2.1 million through passenger donations since it launched in July 2012. These funds will enable UNICEF to vaccinate 3.3 million children and mothers against deadly childhood diseases and maternal and newborn tetanus, and protect two million children from polio.
Carolyn McCall, easyJet’s Chief Executive said: “We are pleased to launch our second winter appeal in aid of UNICEF and help raise much needed funds for children in Syria. Thanks to the match funding pledged by the UK government we have the opportunity to make a big impact through onboard donations and would like to thank our passengers in advance for the generosity they always show.”
UNICEF UK Executive Director, David Bull said: “This is a desperate time for the children of Syria. As winter sets in, temperatures are plummeting and makeshift homes are at risk of flooding from heavy rain. As a result, children are at increased risk of disease, pneumonia and malnutrition. Many fled their homes with only the clothes on their backs and are in urgent need of warm clothing and blankets to protect them from the freezing cold. We’re grateful for every pound raised from easyJet passengers, and for the UK government’s support with match funding to help the millions of Syrian children who are suffering so much this winter.”
International Development Secretary Justine Greening said: “Millions of Syrian children have been forced to flee their homes and are now facing a long, bitter and miserable winter. The British public has already responded incredibly generously and I am sure that many of those flying with easyJet will want to do what they can to help. By matching pound for pound all the money that easyJet passengers donate to UNICEF’s Change for Good campaign on flights to and from the UK, we will help to double the impact their generosity can have.”
UNICEF, one of the few agencies operating in Syria and the five neighbouring countries, is working on the ground to provide blankets, warm clothes, water, medicine and psychological support to prevent a whole generation of Syrian children being lost to the conflict.
Passengers can donate to the Syria winter campaign until 31 January on the airline’s pan-European network of over 600 routes across more than 33 countries. Not flying off anywhere? You can still help.
easyJet have also been supporting UNICEF’s Typhoon Haiyan children’s emergency appeal following the recent tragedy in the Philippines. Want to donate too? Click here.
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