Aeroplan launches online charity donation scheme
The Canadian loyalty programme Aeroplan launched a new 'Beyond Miles' programme last week to give its members the ability to donate Aeroplan loyalty miles to any of six non-profit organisations, or to Air Canada's Kids' Horizons programme.
According to Aeroplan, the charitable causes chosen on behalf of the programme's approximately 5 million members all embody a philosophy of giving professional skills and experience, combined with engagement with the global community, and going beyond traditional donated aid.
The Beyond Miles programme enables Aeroplan members to donate Aeroplan Miles through the programme's web site to the following organisations:
- Canadian Executive Service Organisation;
- Engineers Without Borders;
- Médecins Sans Frontières;
- Schools Without Borders;
- The Stephen Lewis Foundation;
- Veterinarians Without Borders;;
- Air Canada's Kids' Horizons.
Travel costs significant For all, Aeroplan says, travel is a fundamental feature of their operations, as well as being one of the most significant costs of their work. These charitable programmes will be able to use Aeroplan Miles to offset costs related to travel to and from projects, both in Canada and around the world. Some of them respond to catastrophic events by rebuilding ravaged social and physical environments, and will also be able to help by providing transportation support for medical treatment.
In launching the new programme, Aeroplan itself has contributed more than 1 million Aeroplan Miles to each of the participating organisations. Aeroplan's partners, American Express and CIBC, also contributed to the launch with a combined donation of more than 4 million Aeroplan Miles, bringing the total initial donation to 12 million Aeroplan Miles.
Community feedback The Beyond Miles also aims to facilitate communication between these organisations and Aeroplan members, providing Canadians with more opportunities to learn about each organisation's projects, to offer additional resources and expertise, and to invite representatives to speak about their work to community and school groups.
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