Virgin Atlantic has announced it will be supporting Save the Children as part of its corporate social responsibility work to help children impacted by disasters globally.

The airline is to support the aid charity’s emergency fund, which provides access to healthcare, food, shelter and education when disasters impact communities.

“Our collaboration with Save the Children is rooted in a shared commitment to ensuring that children affected by disasters receive the care and resources they need,” said Virgin Atlantic’s vice president of corporate development Holly Boyd-Boland.

“Our goal is to support our communities during times of crisis, ensuring assistance is provided effectively during disasters and conflict.

Save the Children chief executive Gemma Sherrington added: “With crises becoming more frequent and lasting longer, the world is an increasingly tough place to be a child.

“From the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine to the climate-induced hunger crisis in East Africa, Save the Children works to ensure that children survive and rebuild their lives in the face of disaster.

“By joining forces with Virgin Atlantic to combine our emergency response expertise with the airline’s extensive flight network and loyal customer base, we will be able to go the extra mile to reach many more children as soon as disaster strikes.”

Promoting STEM education

The airline has also announced it is to work with training organisation STEM Learning on behalf of its charitable arm ENTHUSE Charitable Trust, to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education among young people.

Through the partnership the airline and STEM Learning will look to support young people’s career aspirations and remove barriers to STEM education among young people through Virgin Atlantic’s Passport to Change programme.

“Our vision is to improve lives through STEM education, and to empower young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive through effective teaching and learning – aligning perfectly with the ambitions and goals of Virgin Atlantic’s Passport to Change programme,” said STEM Learning director of strategy and partnerships Gill Collinson.

“We know that if young people can develop a love for STEM at an early age and be supported on the path to a rewarding and successful STEM career, this will lead to a thriving STEM economy.

“This programme also addresses inequality by focusing on disadvantaged areas, which further strengthens and supports our drive and passion to create a more diverse STEM talent pool across the UK.”

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