easyJet announces new charity partner

easyJet has chosen the Alzheimer’s Society as its charity partner for 2009, following a vote amongst its 7,000 members of staff from across Europe. The partnership will raise money to support people with dementia and their carers.

As easyJet’s charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society will receive donations from summer onboard collections where passengers will be asked to donate their spare foreign change to fight dementia. The Society will also receive a percentage of all scratch cards sold on easyJet flights. Talks are already underway between easyJet and Alzheimer’s Society about how else they can work together to reach their fundraising target and get things off to a flying start.

Andy Harrison, Chief Executive of easyJet said,

“There are over 5 million people with dementia in Europe so it’s not surprising that staff across the continent chose Alzheimer’s Society as the 2009 charity of the year. We are delighted to be raising money to help the Society and we’re sure our passengers will be keen to support such a worthy cause.”

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society added,

“Alzheimer’s Society is thrilled to be chosen by the employees of easyJet as its charity for 2009. Dementia is a devastating condition that robs people of their lives. That’s why Alzheimer’s Society needs to raise money to care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow. Now we have easyJet onboard the sky really is the limit!”

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives. Alzheimer’s Society is the leading care and research charity for people with dementia and those who care for them. The Society is also an active member of Alzheimer Europe, through which it plays an important part in raising the profile of dementia throughout the European Union.