easyJet, a low-cost UK-based airline, and UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s organisation, have jointly launched a winter Change for Good campaign this week to raise funds for the children of Syria as they face a third winter in crisis.
Close to six million Syrian children, including over one million refugees, are living in desperate conditions and are in urgent need of aid as winter advances, during which time temperatures can fall as low as minus six.
For the next six weeks, passengers onboard easyJet flights can donate their spare change and unwanted currency to UNICEF. All public donations made on flights to and from the UK will be matched pound for pound by the UK Government as part of its wider support for UNICEF’s work.
Over 520,000 Brits are expected to travel with easyJet over the Christmas period alone, and the airline along with charity partner UNICEF are urging people to donate as much as possible to help provide essential supplies and medical care to deprived children.
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.’
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 support Syrian children from being lost to the conflict.
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.
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.’
