British Airways Donates 200,000+ Items to Charities, NHS and Communities in UK

British Airways has donated more than 200,000 items including washbags, socks, snacks and blankets to more than 90 community projects, NHS hospitals, care homes and food banks across the UK to support the COVID19 response.

Lydia Lowe, Senior Staff Nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust who received some of the donations, said, “The toiletries that British Airways provided have brought much joy to the nursing teams here. They have also enabled us to create toiletry packs for children and their carers who arrive into the hospital as an emergency admission; often unprepared for an overnight stay. Our families have been incredibly grateful to be given such a basic necessity on their arrival. Small things, such as these, can have a massive impact on our young people and their carers – giving them one less thing to have to worry about.”

Since March, the airline has donated products and much needed essentials and care packages to support communities, front-line medical professionals and patients being treated for COVID19 and continues to offer help where it is most needed. Items donated by the airline include:

74,000 toothbrush/toothpaste kits
32,000 pairs of first-class socks
24,000 blankets
30,000 disposable razors
4,000 eye masks
3,500 amenity kits
390 first class pyjama sets
4,000 handwash /creams
11,000 snacks
12,000 food tray boxes
2,600 soft drinks
500 cereal bowls
500 spoons
6,300 kids’ activity packs for charities supporting vulnerable children

Dr Maria Stasiowska, Consultant Neuroanaesthesia and Pain Medicine at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH, said, “With British Airways’ contribution, we were able to provide support to our members of staff all of whom in various capacities are working tirelessly to provide care to all those in need especially during this period. The outpouring of support and demonstration of kindness shown by British Airways was timely and we remain grateful and appreciative.”

British Airways staff have also been giving up their time and have been using their skills and expertise to volunteer and support various organisations across the UK.

More than 1,100 colleagues have volunteered in their local communities to date, including working at COVID19 test centres, helping communities with practical assistance through charities including the British Red Cross, supporting the NHS, caring for those in need with organisations including St John’s Ambulance and volunteering at food banks, to make a positive difference.

Louise Evans, British Airways Director of External Communications and Sustainability, said, “In these difficult times, we are pleased that we have been able to support key workers and communities in need. Whilst these gestures may seem small, we hope they have made a big difference to key workers and local communities up and down the country.”

See also: A Song of Support and Thanks to the NHS Staff at Ysbyty Enfys in Llandudno, North Wales.

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