BA celebrates ‘Change for Good’

British Airways and UNICEF UK are celebrating 15 years raising millions of pounds for some of the poorest children in the world through the 'Change for Good' programme. Hollywood star Ewan McGregor, UNICEF UK Ambassador, praised British Airways' customers and staff for their support.

The star of the new movie Angels & Demons said: "Thanks to the generosity of British Airways' customers and the dedication of their cabin crew, we've been able to make a huge difference for vulnerable children across the world."

Change for Good, which works by encouraging British Airways' customers and staff to donate spare currency on every flight, has so far raised £26 million, making it the highest fundraising charity partnership with any UK airline. It is also the longest running corporate partnership for UNICEF UK, raising around £1.3m a year.

Now BA and UNICEF UK aim to raise £1.5m during the next 12 months to mark the 15th year of the partnership.

Willie Walsh, British Airways' chief executive, said, "The lives of thousands of the most vulnerable children around the world have been changed for good, thanks to the unwavering generosity of British Airways' customers and incredible support from our cabin crew over the last 15 years.

"I've seen for myself the hope that we can bring to so many young lives and want to thank all those who have made our partnership with UNICEF such a life-changing success."

David Bull, Executive Director of UNICEF UK said: "This partnership proves that small change really can make a big difference. Together we have changed the lives of millions of the world's poorest children."

There are more than 2,230 British Airways cabin crew who are 'Change for Good Champions' and promote the partnership on-board.

Since it began in 1994, Change for Good has funded projects in 56 countries and has supported all the areas of UNICEF's work. The first country to benefit was Tanzania, where Change for Good money was invested in health, education and HIV prevention programmes.

The Change for Good programme operates across all British Airways flights, reaching over thirty million passengers each year.

For more information visit BA.com or Unicef.org.uk.