It’s customary to receive presents on your birthday, but Hawaiian Airlines is doing the opposite and giving back instead.
The airline is commemorating its 90th year of service in the Hawaiian Islands throughout 2019 with a company-matched employee giving program, which was first launched on Nov. 12, the day after its 89th birthday.
How it works is simple: when employees donate to any Aloha United Way affiliated charity, as well as the Polynesian Voyaging Society, the Vernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, and the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, Hawaiian will match the first US$90,000 raised.
In its first week, employees and members of the company’s Board of Directors pledged a staggering $59,000, or $118,000 when matched by the airline.
The special anniversary drive is being held throughout 2019. Donations and the corresponding company match will be provided to the charities monthly, beginning in February 2019.
“We are very proud of our legacy as Hawaii’s first airline, and I am extremely proud of the generosity and aloha our 7,200-strong employee ‘ohana demonstrates on a regular basis, and particularly during the inaugural week of our charity drive,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines’ president and CEO. “Pledges came from every department across our company. I am certain we will reach our goal, and I look forward to it.”
The 90th year of service fundraiser is in addition to $300,000 in sponsorships and grants Hawaiian provides annually through the company’s Team Kokua giving program, and another $100,000 distributed by the Hawaiian Airlines Foundation. So far this year, the company has provided 4.5 million miles in matching donations to 12 Hawaii non-profits participating in the Hawaiian Miles Charities program, while Team Kokua volunteers have logged more than 8,000 hours helping non-profits throughout Hawaiian’s route network.
Hawaiian’s giving campaign is only the beginning of a year of celebratory activities as the airline counts down to its 90th birthday.
For more go to HawaiianAir.com.
