AirAsia and World Vision let you ‘See the World’ and help a child
AirAsia executives hand over an AirAsia model plane as a sign of commitment and partnership with World Vision. (From left) AirAsia regional COO Pete Chareonwongsak, AirAsia Philippines’ chief pilot for operations Capt. Darren Adrian Acorda, World Vision Phils. national director Rommel Villafuerte, World Vision ambassadors Gelli Victor, Quest and Christian Bautista and World Vision Phils. media communications manager Gjeff Lamigo.
The gift of travel is one of the best things parents can give their children to help them see the world and grow into well-rounded adults.
Not only would it help them widen their horizons, traveling would also allow them to see and experience what’s out there and expand their awareness of all the possibilities life has to offer.
This holiday season, traveling is also the best way to teach kids the value of sharing and giving.
AirAsia, in partnership with World Vision, celebrates the season of giving through a joint Christmas initiative called “See the World,” an awareness building and fundraising effort for the benefit of underprivileged Filipino children.
From Dec. 1 to 31, every seat booked done in the Philippines with AirAsia is equivalent to a P5 donation to World Vision Philippines.
“’See the World’ is a worthwhile project that celebrates the value of giving and haring,” enthused captain Darren Adrian Acorda, chief pilot for operations, AirAsia. “The collaboration between AirAsia and World Vision represents our commitment to always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve.”
As a global brand, AirAsia is honored to partner with World Vision, an international relief, development and advocacy organization, which shares the same commitment and passion in helping and empowering communities.
“See the World” aims to raise at least P1 million to provide sponsorship program for many children as direct recipients across the country.
“The collaboration between AirAsia and World Vision represents another step forward in our commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves,” said Pete Chareonwongsak, regional chief operating officer, AirAsia. “It’s one thing to run a business, it’s another to run an organization that directly impacts communities.”
Well, AirAsia is not new when it comes to giving hope.
“We were there after typhoon Yolanda struck Tacloban. AirAsia was the first one to fly in just when the runway was cleared,” recalled Capt. Acorda, the pilot in command of that flight. “We transported passengers — all covered in mud — for free.”
AirAsia also conducted relief operations when a strong earthquake hit Tagbilaran.
“AirAsia will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve,” added Chareongwongsak.
A worthwhile partnership
It’s the first time for World Vision, which is now in its 60th year, to have an airline partner that will help them spread joy and cheer this Christmas season.
“Through this initiative, we can ensure that every peso that will be donated to World Vision will help a lot of underprivileged Filipino children attain their dreams,” said Rommel Villafuerte, national director, World Vision Philippines.
Aside from the fundraising efforts, “See the World” will also feature inspiring stories of children from impoverished communities around the country whose lives have changed and caused other children and communities to aspire for better living.
“I’m such a cheeseball when it comes to this because I grew up in poverty,” shared singer/songwriter Quest, a World Vision ambassador. “I was just fortunate that my grandma was able to raise us well.”
Quest, who came from a dysfunctional family, didn’t think twice when World Vision asked him to sponsor a child.
“I was so honored because that’s my chance to give back. All throughout my life, I’ve been receiving help from my relatives and friends. Now’s my time to give back,” he enthused.
For singer Christian Bautista, who has been a World Vision ambassador for more than 10 years now, working with World Vision opened his eyes to the realities of life.
“Not all of us are born blessed. There are families out there who couldn’t even make both ends meet. My aunt introduced me to World Vision. She told me that for less than P100 a day, I could actually send a child to school. Well, I could give up a cup of designer coffee for a child in need anytime,” enthused Bautista.
Bautista, together with the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, performed well-loved Christmas carols during the launch of the “See the World” campaign at H20 Hotel in Manila.
AirAsia and World Vision are expecting to raise P1 million until Dec. 31, but Chareonwongsak believes that AirAsia will exceed that amount.
“I hope that this partnership is something that we just do during the Christmas season when everyone’s feeling a little charitable. This is one undertaking we would like to extend throughout and beyond today’s event,” added Chareonwongsak.
Through AirAsia and World Vision’s “See the World” campaign, we can all have that chance to touch each other’s hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.
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Keep updated and find out more about “See the World” through #AirAsiaWorldVision and #SeeTheWorld hashtags.
