Top Stories
Fantasy Flight for Children!
On Dec. 1st, 2011, 34 children participated on a Fantasy Flight to the North Pole (leaving from Santiago, Chile).
The idea was birthed last April, during a UNICEF site visit by our AAI team. The office of the First Lady of Chile and the Ministry of Justice also participated in this heartwarming flight for children! Many thanks for support from American Airlines Flight Service, and coordination from Rachel Martinez at the US Embassy.
Additional thanks to Sam Santiago, Jim Mariano and Amy Doe who traveled from the US, as well as Paula Caviglia, Carolina Lara, and everyone who helped make this a memorable day for the children!
Stand Up for Children Gala
Airline Ambassadors and Innocents at Risk hosted the Stand Up for Children Gala, October 19, 2011. Read the story...
Tsunami kills thousands following
8.9 earthquake in Japan
Join us and help to bring relief supplies to Japan by donating now. Airline Ambassadors is setting up relief teams that will transport aid to those affected by this disaster. You donations are vital at this critical time and we thank you for putting your compassion into action.
Help Japan Now! Read more about how you can help and download the pdf to share.
Every year, as many as 300,000 U.S. children
are forced into sexual slavery.
You can help put an end to it.
Human Trafficking. I’m Not Buying It!
Cruise4 Haiti
This year's annual fundraiser
Read the AAI Cruise 4 Haiti Report...
Check out the Cruise4Haiti Journal.
See pictures on Flickr.
You can help to support our on-going work in Haiti!
Haiti Opens Airport Child Protection Campus
(Pictured: BPM Commissioner addressing the ceremony)
Airline Ambassadors participated at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Child Protection Campus at Haiti's Port-au-Prince airport on October 13. The French Ambassador was present at the event, kicking off a collaboration between BPM (the Bureau for the Protection of Minors - a division of the Haitian Police), UNICEF and Airline Ambassadors. AAI's Dave Rivard will oversee construction of the campus which was funded by a generous grant from France.
Hawaii Tennis Fundraiser
(Sonny is wearing the tournament t-shirt w/AAI logo)
On September 14, 2010 members of Hawaii Interline Tennis Society gathered at the courts for their next 3-day tournament to benefit Airline Ambassadors Intl. H.I.T.S. was created within the airline industry to offer employees and their families a fun way of sharing ALOHA and tennis while raising money for the American Cancer Society, Wheelchair Tennis, and Special Olympics. This is their 20th year of holding tennis tournaments all over the globe. Airline Ambassadors is honored to be the recipient this year of such dedication from these committed athletes. Thank you Sonny Crawford, director and coach, and cancer survivor. Losing two sons in tragic accidents has inspired him to devote his time to coaching and encouraging kids to participate in tennis.
Reuters Covers Human Trafficking
Nancy Rivard explains, "We are in a unique position to play a critical role in teaching airline personnel to identify traffickers and report them"...
Read the full story in Reuters, "Airlines' role grows in war on U.S. sex trafficking"...
Lantos Foundation recognizes Nancy Rivard
The Lantos Foundation for Human Rights & Justice has awarded Nancy Rivard, President of Airline Ambassadors International, for her "extraordinary humanitarianism and unwavering dedication" in addressing human tragedy across the world. The presentation was made on Capitol Hill in early July, 2010, by Annette Lantos.
American Airlines, Miles For Kids In Need®, Airline Ambassadors, and Gift of Life International Transport 30 Salvadoran Children to Receive Heart Surgery
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines, through its Miles For Kids In Need® program, along with Airline Ambassadors International and Gift of Life International, is transporting 30 Salvadoran children to the United States this week to receive desperately needed heart surgery. Read more...
Human Trafficking
Flight Attendants and pilots can play a key role as eyes and ears for international security efforts, and Airline Ambassadors is pleased to spearhead awareness in the airline industry.
Nancy Rivard, President, Airline Ambassadors International, announces the Airline Ambassadors Human Trafficking initiative. Read about our first-hand experience in Cambodia and find out about what Airline Ambassadors is doing to stop the cycle of agony.
Symphony for Life
Airline Ambassadors is pleased to announce that it has once again been able to provide space on American Airlines for a shipment of musical instruments donated by the Inter-American development Bank (IADB) to Ecuador's "Symphony for Life".
The program (known in Spanish as Sinfonía por la Vida) allows hundreds of children and teenagers from marginalized zones in Ecuador to improve their opportunities in life through music. The school has three locations: in Quito, in Guayaquil and in Esmeraldas.
Symphony for Life deems that musical education is important for reinforcing children’s cognitive skills and educational achievement by stimulating self-esteem and giving an incentive to study. Through the study of music, young people develop a diverse set of skills useful in music and in a wide variety of career and life contexts. They learn how to work effectively in groups as they develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Students who learn music develop a sense of personal responsibility, while cultivating discipline, creativity and solidarity. Music study stimulates habits for life that motivate students to academic, professional, and civic success.
Symphony for Life is coordinated by the Symphonic Youth Orchestra Foundation of Ecuador – Fundación Orquesta Sinfónica Juvenil del Ecuador (FOSJE) - which was created in 1994. The program was designed with the technical cooperation of the Inter-American Development Bank.
The instruments that arrived in Ecuador this week are destined for the school in Esmeraldas which caters to approximately 100 children. AAI's administrative coordinator, Joseph Mutti, was present to visit the school in Quito and sent these photos.
Haiti, March 18, 2010»
The Storms Arrive
 |
"This, the first night of heavy rain here in Haiti. More than a million people have been sleeping in the open on streets or under flimsy tents made of cloth, in ravines. So, tonight is one of the few nights in my life when I am not celebrating the storm..."
Seen above: Dr. Daniel Susott,
AAI Medical Director |
|
 |
Doctor Daniel Susott of Carmel Valley
in Port Au Prince
helping victims of the Haiti earthquake... |
Haiti Earthquake
Haiti Earthquake Latest Updates»
January 13, 2010 -
Haiti Earthquake Disaster Plan, AAI Headquarters
Airline Ambassadors is working with major airlines to transport needed aid to Port au Prince as soon as air traffic control allows. Here is what we have in place:
HUMANITARIAN AID
160,000 lbs of high priority aid in Denver and Salt Lake City donated by LDS Charities. We seek to position this in JFK or MIA where charity flights on AA, UA, JetBlue and Spirit will be easier to coordinate. This first shipment of aid consists of:
- Water bottle filters
- Family food kits (MREs : meals ready to eat)
- Powdered milk
- Hygiene kits
- Tents for temporary shelter
- Canned food
- 80 lb bags of rice and 80 lb bags of beans
- Emergency medical modules
LDS Charities has pledged to deliver as much aid as we can ship, but we are waiting before ordering more until we have secured dates for transport.
DISTRIBUTION LOGISTICS
Our main partner on the ground is US Southern Command who is coordinating the relief effort in Port au Prince. They will provide ground support for distribution and store our aid initially with Food for the Poor and Catholic Relief Service (as they have intact warehouse space.)
FUNDING
AAI is collecting funds to pay for the fuel of aircraft from JFK/MIA to Port au Prince. These flights will be delivering emergency personnel, food, water, medical supplies, blankets, sheets, and relief supplies. You may donate here:
VOLUNTEERS
Interested airline crew register here. You will be asked to provide name, phone number, passport number, airline affiliation and ID number. You will be added to our volunteer personnel list and contacted when an aircraft becomes available. Thank you for your concern and generosity.
Mandell School and Airline Ambassadors on a mission
to the Dominican Republic
On December 18-20,
Mandell School and Airline Ambassadors made their first joint humanitarian trip to
Orfanato Niños de Cristo in the town of La Romana.
Read more »
Over $100,000 in Relief for El Salvador
Hurricane Ida relief reaches El Salvador.
Read the story...
Children of the World Fundraiser 2009
December 3 event at the United Nations was a
tremendous success!
Catch up with the attendees and visit the Photo Gallery!
Photo credits to Gunjesh Desai / masalajunction.com.
Visit our video invitation to the Airline Ambassadors
"Children of the World" Fundraiser.
Special Invitation from George Sigma.
Holiday News
black and light co. is pleased to announce a new line of Inspirational candles inspired by Airline Ambassadors.
These candles will warm your room and your heart,
and symbolize the light we shine as we bring Love into Action.
Every purchase of an Inspirational candle carries with it a donation from black & light co. directly to Airline Ambassadors. In addition, black & light co. has given Airline Ambassadors' supporters a specific discount shopping code to use
on the black & light co. retail website.
Visit Shopping for Humanity for details.
Kim Orlando, Founder of TravelingMom, interviews Nancy Rivard
TravelingMom speaks with
AAI Founder, Nancy Rivard,
about life, travel and
being a mom to thousands.
Listen to their discussion on blogtalkradiosm
"Kudos" to AAI's Nana Patricia McPeak
Nana Patricia McPeak helped rescue one of the most famous racehorses in Australia! "Patty" McPeak, Board Chair for Airline Ambassadors has developed a rice bran derivative that is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. The supplement, has had remarkable effects on both humans and animals. While on an Airline Ambassador mission in the Dominican Republic, where the team arranged delivery of the product for orphans, Patty received a fax, that a famous racehorse in Melbourne needed the animal version of the supplements as well. Because time was of the essence, and to bypass any problems with Customs, Patty flew the products made for supplements there herself! BRAVO. We are happy to help deliver these healthful products to those who need them via Airline Ambassadors.
American Airlines “Champions for Children” and Customers
Support UNICEF’s Change for Good Program on American Airlines!
We are so proud of the American Airlines
Flight Attendants and Admirals Club staff who have signed up as Champions for Children volunteers for UNICEF’s Change for Good Program on American Airlines and helped raise donations for UNICEF while on the job!
The Change for Good program is an innovative partnership between UNICEF and the international airline industry that was created in 1987. Since 1994, American has been the participating airline partner in the U.S., and AA customers have donated over $6 million for UNICEF’s lifesaving programs. Change for Good on American Airlines is proudly supported by Airline Ambassadors International, the humanitarian organization who leads the effort to recruit the flight attendant volunteers called "Champions for Children" who encourage customers to get involved.
Read an article about one of the program beneficiaries here,
learn more about Change for the Good, and preview the
new inflight video, showing on American Airlines flights.
Andres Valenzuela, President of Airline Ambassadors Colombia,
signs formal agreement for partnership with the
Inter-American Cultural & Development Foundation of the
Inter-American Development Bank and with the
Organization of American States.
Read more about the agreement,
which serves to foster an appreciation for diverse American cultures through travel and the support that comes with it, and find out more about the programs and projects of
Spring Break Build in El Salvador
Honors Millard Fuller,
Founder of Habitat for Humanity
and the Fuller Center for Housing
Airline Ambassadors honors the life and work of our advisor,
Millard Fuller. Join us at a Home Build in his honor in El Salvador during Spring Break.
We will honor Millard's life and
provide a home for a family.
Ground package is $500 for one week. Contact:
michaelbonderer@hotmail.com
Airline Ambassadors pays tribute to
US Airways pilot Chesley Sullenberger!
Please visit the
The Hudson River Landing of Flight 1549.
Download is lengthy, but the slideshow is worth it.
Letters exchanged: A foster son and foster mother
Deborah Quigley,
Airline Ambassadors' Hawaii Regional Director, reports the latest news from her foster son in Cambodia. Sophanna shares stories about the Adopted Projects at FLOW, in Cambodia, and sends his thanks to his foster mom! For more...
Compassion Ball 2008
A Tribute to all who bring Compassion into Action!
The Airline Ambassadors Event inspires...
features hope, joy, and those who make change happen.
Please read the
Compassion Ball News Page
to find out more.
Thank you to those who sponsored
Compassion Ball 2008!
The NASDAQ Opening Bell on October 17 rings with
Airline Ambassadors' President, Nancy Rivard,
United Nations' Shamina de Gonzaga,
Chair of the 61st Annual DPI/NGO Conference,
United Nations Youth Ambassadors, and
Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund!
For more, please visit the Nasdaq Event posting.
Airline Ambassadors is proud to partner with the
Rice Patty Foundation and welcomes Nana Patricia McPeak
to our board!
As a small child, Nana Patricia McPeak had a dream to be able to feed the world.
Her mission:
"We believe that Earth is a planet of abundance and that all people have an inherent right to be nourished with wholesome and safe foods.
We pledge to implement programs which increase the availability of nutritious foods and pure water in order to alleviate famine and disease for all of Earth's inhabitants."
Welcome to Nana Patricia and the Rice Patty Foundation!
Please visit their web site to learn more about the
Rice Patty Foundation.
Press Release - October 15, 2008
Paris, France
Human Rights Village
Peaks Interest
in Volunteer Vacations.
Read the full story...
AAI Mission Coordinator and JetBlue Liaison, Cindy Paulus and Mission Coordinator, Elaine Osbourne, are teaming-up with the 911 Fund in Argentina!
The firefighters and AAI coordinators are donating time and resources to train and equip hundreds of first-responders in the country. For more...
Thulani Mabaso, Airline Ambassador's Government Affairs Director and prisoner at Robben Island,
shared prison time with Nelson Mandela.
Congessional bills are sponsored by Senator Dodd
(D CA) and Congressman Berman (D CA) that, when passed, will remove the two men from the US government's list of terrorist organizations.
Read more....
Champions for Children Honored June 2, 2008
UNICEF's Champions For Children JFK.
Congratulations to Krista Schimidt and
Rolando Vazquz! Honored for
outstanding contributions to
children's aid, care, and compassion
"Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things"
Please enjoy a Raleigh TV station presentation featuring,
Eddie Smith, an Airline Ambassador from Raleigh, NC.
The Airline Ambassador Video, "Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things", shares Eddie's experience
as an Airline Ambassador volunteer.
Airline Ambassador Special Forces members have now inspired U. S. Army Civil Affairs Teams to assist our projects!
The LDS/Civil Affairs Project accomplished a great deal.
May 2008
Mark Ferguson and his students provide on-going support following their Nepal Mission!
Mark reports, "
I am pleased to tell you that my students and I have raised more money for the Melanche Village school. On May 12th our financial officer wired $1200 to the account in Pokhara...Our next fundraiser will be in September. " Congratulations and tremendous thanks to Mark and his team of dedicated young men and women for your on-going support of your friends in Nepal!
Please watch Mark's video and share in the inspiration!
Nata's Journey -
With burns covering more than 80 percent of his body, Nata defied doctors’ predictions and miraculously recovered from his injuries incurred when a gas stove exploded in El Salvador..
Now, with the aid of several organizations and citizens of Grand Prairie, Nata was able to come to the states for medical treatment. The Grand Prairie Today story...
Latest E-Update
JetBlue Airlines Donates Aircraft for
Airline Ambassadors Missions
Please access this link for a more comprehensive list of
news articles and stories about Airline Ambassadors.
On a lighter note see AAI'ers with Patch Adams!
Patch Adams
Airline Ambassadors' JetBlue Airways liaison Cindy Paulus has led numerous trips to El Salvador with full plane-loads of aid. JetBlue Flight Attendant Renaud Fenster has created this amazing Slide Show to demonstrate what one of these missions is like. Follow this link to the JetBlue Slide Show!
NBC's Brian Williams and Kerry Sanders Host National TV Special on Airline Ambassadors: It’s a long way from the comforts of first class, but Nancy Rivard, a veteran flight attendant, found a way to marry her work to her passion: helping the less fortunate.
» More...
Airline Ambassadors, American Airlines And Unicef Team-Up For The Change For Good program
The concept is simple: travelers on international flights can donate their unused U.S. and foreign currency to benefit children. These contributions are used to provide lifesaving assistance to the developing world's poorest, most vulnerable children in over 150 countries.
» More...
Volunteer Vacations Gain Popularity
“I believe we all have a fundamental desire to contribute to making the world a better place,” says Nancy Rivard, founder of Airline Ambassadors International, a nonprofit humanitarian relief organization composed of airline employees and “civilian” volunteers who distribute medical and other aid to people in need all over the globe. “Personal fulfillment is a powerful impetus,” says Rivard.
» More...
