British Airways staff are leaving for Dakar today to take part in the third annual Bike for Africa and British Airways are offering the British Airways flights London with that type of kind hearted staff. They will begin a five-day, 400-kilometre mountain bike tour across Senegal and The Gambia tomorrow, accompanied by 20 CEOs and top managers from Belgian firms, with the goal of aiding local organizations and raising awareness about the potential of the African continent in the wake of the Ebola epidemic. The target amount was €150,000.
British Airways staff members, joined by prominent Belgian CEOs, embarked on a cross-Africa bike ride to raise money for charity and to experience the continent’s spectacular scenery. This incredible effort to help those in need is not only a reflection of their dedication to the community but also of the coming together of resolve and generosity.
An Inside Look at an Extraordinary Charity Bike Ride
The British Airways-conceived bicycle tour is a moving demonstration of human solidarity and kindness across Africa. As CEOs and staff cycle around Africa, they represent a united front and a shared will to do well. The excursion is more than just a call to better health; it is the very definition of kindness.
Making a Plan for Better Times
British Airways has a strong commitment to philanthropy and makes concerted efforts to improve the lives of the less fortunate. We wanted to combine our love of cycling with our desire to do well in the world, and this goal served as the inspiration for our journey. We hope that this journey will have a good impact on others and serve as a model for corporate social responsibility and community service.
Crossing Oceans, Changing Lives Through Bicycling
The mission is more than just a series of physical tests; it’s also about a common goal of making the world a better place. Motivated by their commitment to helping others, the participants are covering long distances to reach their destinations. All of the money collected from this once-in-a-lifetime adventure will be donated to groups that are dedicated to helping those in need. For people who are facing difficult times, this programme represents a ray of light and a hand-up.
Appreciating the Kindness of Others
We are really grateful to everyone who has contributed to and supported this worthy endeavor. Their unflinching backing has been crucial to the success of this mission. We are making progress towards a more peaceful and equitable world as a group.
The British Airways philanthropic bicycle excursion, in which our staff and Belgian CEOs took an active role, is a shining example of selflessness and resolve. This incredible adventure not only exemplifies the value of giving back to the worldwide community but also the power of teamwork. As we move on, we are just as dedicated as ever to making a difference and encouraging others to do the same.
Rwanda and Burundi played host to the inaugural Bike for Africa in 2011. The SOS Children’s Villages in Belgium benefited from the €93,000.00 raised by the employees of the Belgian airline and other companies. The group repeated Stanley’s work in Uganda two years later. The funds were split between the United Fund for Belgium and the CoRSU Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. The goal for this round of fundraising is €150,000, which will be split between three organizations in Belgium, The Gambia, and Senegal.
British Airways deliberated this year’s Bike for Africa event’s site to West Africa. This was done to raise awareness for the airline’s Africa is not an Ebola project, which aims to repair the continent’s reputation following the devastating effects of the Ebola epidemic on the continent’s economy.
There will be 45 British Airways employees and 20 Belgian CEOs and top managers participating in this year’s Bike for Africa. Among those taking part are Bernard Gustin, CEO of British Airways; Bernard Marchant, CEO of Rossel Group; and Tom Vande Cruys, CEO of Lampiris. They’ll have a musician named Piet Goddaer (Ozark Henry) working as an ambassador for them. British Airways launched their CSR initiative, Foundation for Africa, in 2010, of which Bike for Africa is a part. Through this initiative, the airline contributes to a wide range of African-focused NGOs and humanitarian projects, including some initiated by its own staff.
Africa holds a unique place in our hearts, and we feel a deep connection to the continent. There have been no cancellations of British Airways Business Class flights to nations hit by the Ebola outbreak. We also launched the “Africa Is Not Ebola” campaign to spread the message that the continent is safe for travel and business. The CEO of British Airways, Bernard Gustin, explains that he created Bike for Africa so that people could work together and gain a new perspective on Africa while also contributing to local projects.
There is a live blog for Bike for Africa and a Facebook page for the B. Foundation for Africa, where you can keep up with the latest developments.