Story From The Field
El Salvador, JetBlue Mission, April 2008:
Cindy Paulus, JetBlue Liaison and
Airline Ambassadors Mission Coordinator Reports:
Twenty-five JetBlue crewmembers and a team of 14 doctors from Pediatricians of Central America, Long Island, NY, delivered over a quarter of a million dollars of aid and services to the children and families of El Salvador. This is JetBlue's eleventh humanitarian mission to this country.
The JetBlue team visited numerous orphanages, from young children diagnosed with AIDs, to a home of physically-challenged young adults and to a home for young boys addicted to drugs, specifically glue sniffing. In addition, the team delivered aid to families in the remote mountain areas and in a local "Homes of Cardboard" community which houses 1500 families living in extremely poor, unsanitary conditions. The group of doctors evaluated and diagnosed over 1500 children and adults in need of medical treatment throughout the country of El Salvador.
The first "JetBlue International Soccer Tournament" was held. The winning teams received individual trophies, soccer necklaces, and wristbands. The participants were boys, ages 12-18, who were from extremely poor families. By keeping them involved in soccer, they stay off the streets and stay away from the crime and drugs. The day ended with the JetBlue team challenging the boys, ages 16-18, to a soccer game. Each team received new soccer balls, soccer uniforms, soccer cleats, and shin guards.
Sounds like everyone won!
Thank you, JetBlue!
Stories From The Field...
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