Comic Relief and British Airways Partnership Has Raised £18 Million since Inception in 2010
A roll-call of stars including Michelle Keegan, Gary Lineker and Rob Brydon attended the British Airways ‘Flying Start’ Gala ball, to support fundraising for the airline’s charity partnership with Comic Relief.
Held at The Grove in Hertfordshire, a golf day was followed by a gala dinner, an auction and performances by comedians Rob Brydon and Rob Beckett, with the day raising an amazing £225,000 for Flying Start.
The event, in its 14th year, and hosted by Gabby Logan, has helped Flying Start make its way towards the goal of raising £20 million by 2020.
The airline launched Flying Start with Comic Relief in 2010 to raise money to help children living incredibly tough lives in the UK and around the world.
“We have raised over £18 million for Comic Relief over the past eight years, which is down to the kindness and generosity of our customers and colleagues. It is events like these that help celebrate the achievement and help us to continue to achieve so much,” said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways Director of Brand and Customer Experience.
The £18 million that the airline has raised since it started in 2010 has helped Comic Relief fund projects in the UK and around the world. Just a few of the organisations funded by Comic Relief grants include: Body and Soul – A UK organisation providing innovative services for vulnerable young people who are affected by HIV; Boxgirls (Laureus Sport for Good Foundation) – A Kenyan organisation offering girls the opportunity to participate in boxing, learn about their rights and develop skills in money management, entrepreneurship and leadership; and Butterflies (Childhope) – An Indian organisation working with vulnerable street and working children.
They deliver programmes that include healthcare, information education and support for young people in vocational training and enterprise.
British Airways is a four-time winner of the World Branding Awards in the Airline category.
