Airline Ambassadors

The name itself suggests bringers of goodwill. In this case, a network of airline employees volunteer to share their time, skills, talents and job-related opportunities to care for those in need and to bring compassion into action. Their help can come in different forms, such as escorting children needing medical care, delivering humanitarian aid to orphanages and clinics and assisting at special charity events.

This time, the non-profit organization affiliated with the United Nations and recognized by the US Congress, came to Manila with the help of Northwest Airlines to bring cheer and much needed aid to hundreds of orphans at the Missionaries of Charity Home in Tayuman, Manila; the Shepherd Children’s Home in Project 4, Quezon City and the Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Home in Zambales.

This special mission was headed by Northwest Airlines manager of information services/technical services in Minneapolis, Robert Blake. Also included in this group of volunteers were employees from other major US carriers like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, most of whom have never been to the Philippines. Present from the Northwest Manila Office serving as liaisons and coordinators were nwa hrd/legal manager Jojo Veneracion, nwa sales manager Gary Agarwal, nwa accounting staff Marie Ballon and Mori Teylan, and nw-iti public relations and events coordinator Tani Aragon-Lloren.

The two-day goodwill affair started at the Missionaries of Charity Home in Tayuman, Manila, one of Mother Teresa’s homes of charity. Met by one of the sisters, the volunteers were given a quick tour and soon found themselves surrounded by numerous children, some with disabilities. The Airline Ambassadors gave out aid in the form of medicine, medical supplies, clothing, toys, books and other items, as well as much needed cheer, attention, companionship and affection. It was the same afterwards at the Shepherd Children’s Home in Project 4, Quezon City and the next day at the Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Home in Zambales. These airline volunteers were happy to be giving "wings of love" to these less fortunate children.

Several things set Airline Ambassadors apart from other charities. The group operates on a meager budget of $34,000, raised predominantly through corporate gifts that founder American Airlines Flight Attendant Nancy Rivard recruits. There is no paid staff; 80 percent of the 2,200 volunteers work in the airline industry for 12 different airlines. On this recent trip, they donated a check for the children worth $3,200 to "Auntie" Fe Mejica who owns and operates the orphanages. It is just one of up to ten humanitarian missions the Airline Ambassadors conduct each month to help children in remote communities around the world. About 200 Northwest employees are involved in various missions each year.