Give A Mile Launches Campaign to Create Special "Flights of Mercy" During COVID-19

19/05/2020 05:00

Unique crowdfunding travel campaign aims to raise 19 million Aeroplan Miles to support those who couldn't otherwise afford final goodbye
Aeroplan Members can donate their Aeroplan Miles and Aeroplan will match miles donated up to 500,000 miles

CALGARY, May 19, 2020 /CNW/ - Give A Mile today announced it will be joining hands with Air Canada's loyalty program Aeroplan to accelerate a national crowdfunding campaign for flights of mercy during the Covid-19 crisis and raise 19 million Aeroplan Miles.

The aptly named "Give 19" campaign, launched by Calgary-based Give A Mile, provides essential trips for Canadians who couldn't otherwise afford a final visit to a dying loved one during the pandemic. This particular crowdfunding campaign stands out for the fact that it does not even involve money — the only Canadian currency accepted for funding the special flights of mercy during Covid-19 will be Aeroplan Miles. Aeroplan is matching all donations of miles on a one-for-one basis up to 500,000 miles until May 25th.

"Never before has there been such an obvious need to support the less fortunate among us who may be losing loved ones in faraway places," said Kevin Crowe, Founder of Give A Mile. "This pandemic increased the needs of so many of our fellow citizens and Aeroplan Miles can truly help support families in their time of need and change lives."

"In the few weeks since this crisis began, Aeroplan Members have donated over 100 million miles to support COVID-19 recovery causes—both locally and globally. In a true testament to their generosity, kindness and sense of community, members are asking us how else they can help," said Mark Nasr, Vice President, Loyalty and eCommerce, Air Canada. "We're excited to partner with Give A Mile to help comfort those less fortunate fellow Canadians during this incredibly difficult period. Thank you so much to Aeroplan Members across the country for their support."

Give A Mile is a Canadian charity that provides visits by loved ones to those in palliative or critical condition. The Give A Mile crowdfunding platform enables special journeys for those in need through donations of travel miles. More than 600 final visits have already been made possible through the partnership between Give A Mile and Air Canada. www.giveamile.org.