Corporate Initiative
Recognizing a tourism company that has demonstrated substantial leadership in adopting and implementing policies related to any of the Global Vision award categories
British Airways
The sun never sets on British Airways' philanthropic empire. Leveraging its immense global presence and contact with millions of passengers, the carrier has developed a portfolio that encompasses education, health care, disaster relief, and community development around the world. Its hugely successful Change for Good program, which encourages passengers to donate unused foreign currency while in flight, has raised more than $38 million for programs for needy children—from an anti-polio campaign in Zambia to education for child laborers in Bangladesh. The company is also adept at responding to crises—such as the 2003 Bam, Iran, earthquake and the Southeast Asian tsunami in 2004. But the U.K.'s largest airline is not just about unprecedented largesse. "On a scale of dollars of doing good, B.A. is the champion," juror Cathy Enz says. "But what is notable is their sensitivity on a small scale. It's a careful balancing of commitment to give and care in choices."
BRITISH AIRWAYS' CORPORATE GIVING WORLDWIDE
$1.9 million
Mexico City
Education initiatives to help street children break the cycle of poverty.
$740,000
Salvador, Brazil
Social support and education and health advice for domestic workers.
$1.5 million
Nigeria
Rebuilding and continued support of a science primary school in Abuja.
$1.6 million
Zambia
National campaign for polio immunizations, along with funds for HIV/ AIDS education
$1.6 million
Johannesburg, South Africa
Education and support services for unemployed young people and inner city families.
$2.5 million
India
Money for rebuilding schools and supporting relief work after the 2001 earthquake in Gujarat; water supply and sanitation improvements; HIV/AIDS education.
$816,000
Bangladesh
Emergency assistance for women and children affected by flooding; funds to provide basic education to urban working children.
$3.3 million
Southeast Asia
Relief aid, cargo space, and corporate donations to assist victims of the 2004 tsunami.
$93,000
The Caribbean
Emergency relief after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, to help reopen schools, provide medical supplies, and restore services throughout the region.
$600,000
St. Petersburg, Russia
Health care and support for children and adolescents who live on the street.
