AA Miles for Kids In Need
I got my American Airlines mileage statement in the mail last week. When opening it, I noticed on the back of the envelope the logo ad for “Miles for Kids in Need” with an url.
So I went to their website but a link to the program was not immediately apparent even though I looked several places. Turns out I needed to go to the “AAdvantage” button, click “Partners and Mileage Programs,” then “Charities” and THEN it was one of six listed. Guess I did not dig deep enough at first. While I realize the http://aa.com home page is prime real estate, it would be nice if one of the many little banners posted on that page were about one of their nonprofit partner programs – perhaps a two month rotation since there are six of them. That would give it a little more visibility.
However, I do like that they put the logo on the back of the envelope that the statement was mailed out in as it was very obvious there. And one of the four paragraphs on the statement itself was also about the program. “Last year, AAdvantage members donated more than 30 million miles to the Miles for Kids in Need program, providing transportation for more than 500 kids with special medical needs or wishes. Please help us replenish these miles if you can. You can find out more or make a donation at www.aa,com/kids.”
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Do you send out statements to your customers? Ever think about putting a few sentences there about YOUR company’s efforts in the community? After all, especially in these economic times, people and other businesses want to support companies that are “doing good.” If you don’t share that information, you are missing an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your customers.
So…nicely done, American Airlines.
When I typed in the http://aa.com/kids url directly I did go immediately to the page which stated the following:
“The Miles for Kids in Need program provides worldwide support for children and their families, as well as for organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with needs for medical, educational, social services issues and/or for those that heighten public awareness of children’s issues.
Since 1989, AAdvantage members have donated miles to help kids in need. Last year alone, members generously donated over 30 million of their unused AAdvantage miles to help provide transportation to over 500 kids through this program. If you can help us replenish some of these miles, we (and the kids) will really appreciate it. Please check your mileage balance and consider making a donation* today.
*Your donation is not tax deductible.”
May 7th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I am the Transportation Coordinator for the Tebala Shrine Center, Rockford, IL, to coordinate transportation services for children needing care at the Shriners Hospital for Children, Chicago, IL. On occasion, we have to transport a child from our area to one of our 22 other hospitals. Unfortunately, it can be at a short notice and the airfare tends to be expensive. Like many service organizations, our funds are limited and we are trying to fulfill many requests. Would you please send me information on this program and how our children would qualiy.
Thank you!
September 22nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
I will sincerely point out you put together a few excellent ideas and I will publish a number of good ideas to add to soon.
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:01 am
Thanks for your comment. I always love to hear about great examples and ideas. I am setting up my next interview series – do you know any companies I should include to share their story? I like to profile companies of all sizes but am especially interested in small to mid-size companies to show folks this is something that is not just for the Fortune 100!
September 23rd, 2010 at 7:21 am
Thanks for your comment. The best way to get more information on the AAS Miles for Kids in Need is to go directly to their website, http://www.aa-pro.com.
“If you would like American Airlines to provide a charitable donation or be involved in a promotional event, please visit our website at http://www.aa-pro.com to submit a request or proposal or to learn more about the vast array of products/services we offer to enhance your fund-raising potential.”
While I was looking for this information for you, I came across American Airlines highlights from 2009. Pretty impressive!
“We contributed more than $34 million to non-profit organizations in 2009 through in-kind contributions.”
–In 2009, direct and indirect support for Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure® was estimated to be more than $12 million and involved more than 10,000 employee donors and volunteers.
–Employees around the network celebrated the fifth anniversary of their support of American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life by reaching the $1 million mark in donations
–American Airlines’ flight attendants and other ground personnel helped gather $1.2 million from passengers under the UNICEF Change for Good program, also proudly supported by Airline Ambassadors International
–In 2009, American helped carry out the largest one-time shipment to Iraq in Operation Iraqi Children’s history, with more than 20 tons of school supplies and shoes donated by Crocs. The shipment also included snacks and care packages for U.S. troops donated by The Peter Burks Unsung Hero Fund.
–American Eagle continued its partnership with Kids in Distress (KID) to help abused and neglected children by hosting the organizations’ 11th annual charity golf tournament. Since inception, the tournament has raised more than $100,000 for KID.
–Thousands of employees donated their time and funds to thousands of charities around the world.
Good luck! Sounds like American Airlines could be a great connection for you as they already support the Shriner’s Hospital!