At this time last year a young family had received an early Christmas gift: their 5-year old daughter Arya was selected for clinical drug trials to fight brain cancer, in Pittsburgh, PA.
Dad, Mom, Arya and a new baby brother had flights and accommodations covered, but two siblings remained in Calgary. A medical social worker told them about Give A Mile, and after hearing the story the Flight Review Team granted flight requests allowing the family to return to Calgary and be together for what was Arya’s last birthday and Christmas season.
This is the first month of the Give a Mile’s 2020 Holiday Giving Campaign, and we want to fund more flights like this! Our Campaign goal of 25 flights awarded before New Years is more modest than years-past as there are fewer people flying due to COVID-19 protocols. However the need is even greater as impacts are being felt in the economy. Our title sponsor, Cask Global Canning Solutions, got involved due to their ‘get fired up’ values, and have led the way to help meet Give A Mile’s campaign goal of $25,000 in Canada, 2 million travel miles donated and 25 Flight Heroes. With a recent achievement of 501(c) American charitable status Give A Mile also has U.S. Christmas Campaign goals of $5,000 raised, 250K travel miles donated, and 5 Flight Heroes.
Holiday gifts of your unused loyalty points (Aeroplan, Starwood, Marriott and Amex Rewards, etc.), and monetary or time offerings are easily done through the Give A Mile website DONATE NOW page. Fully 100% of funds and points are applied to flights of compassion and related taxes/fees for specific flight stories or in the general pool to be applied against any flight.
Find out more about the 2020 Holiday Campaign. Help more loved ones share holiday moments and create lasting memories through your generous giving. And follow Give A Mile on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to see year ‘round events and celebrations.