Kenyan organization benefits from British Airways Fundraising

A roll-call of stars including Michelle Keegan, Gary Lineker and Rob Brydon attended the British Airways ‘Flying Start’ Gala ball on Friday April 27, 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. Singer Alexander O’Neal said “It was a pleasure to perform at this very special event and help support such a worthy charity. “

The event, in its 14th year, and hosted by Gabby Logan, has helped Flying Start make its way towards the goal of raising £20million by 2020. British Airways 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.

Carolina Martinoli, British Airways Director of Brand and Customer Experience, said “We’ve 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’s events like this today that help celebrate the achievement and help us to continue to achieve so much.”

The £18 million that British Airways 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.

·         Butterflies (Child hope) – 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.