easyJet names 2009 charity partner

February 23, 2009

Europe's leading low-cost airline, easyJet, has named the Alzheimer's Society as its charity partner for 2009, following a vote among 7,000 members of staff.

The partnership will see easyJet raise money to support people with dementia and their carers. As easyJet's charity of the year, Alzheimer's Society will receive donations from summer on-board collections where passengers will be asked to donate their spare foreign change.

Andy Harrison, chief executive of easyJet, said: "There are over five million people with dementia in Europe so it's not surprising that staff across the continent chose Alzheimer's Society as the 2009 charity of the year. We are delighted to be raising money to help the Society and we're sure our passengers will be keen to support such a worthy cause."

In addition to the on-board collections, the Society will also receive a percentage of all scratch cards sold on easyJet flights. Talks are already underway between the two about how they can work together to reach their fundraising target.

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, added: "Alzheimer's Society is thrilled to be chosen by the employees of easyJet as its charity for 2009. Dementia is a devastating condition that robs people of their lives. That's why Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow. Now we have easyJet on board the sky really is the limit."

Holiday Extras currently operates a partnership with easyJet, which enables its travellers to take advantage of great value airport hotels and airport parking. Visit http://parking.easyjet.com/ for details.