Virgin Atlantic and British Airways will play each other in a charity football match for the first time tonight (November 18), to raise money for families affected by the floods in Pakistan.
The match will take place at 8pm on Friday at Horsham Football Club. Spectators are invited free of charge and donations are encouraged through the two airlines’ websites.
The friendly challenge between rival airlines has been organised by Kyle Reynolds, cabin crew for Virgin Atlantic, and David Rees from British Airways.
Donations made to BA will go to the Disaster Emergency Committee in support of the Pakistan floods appeal.
Virgin Atlantic will split donations between its charity partners, with 50% of proceeds going to UK for UNHCR’s Pakistan floods appeals, and 50% of proceeds going to The Smallpeice Trust, Speakers for Schools, and UK for UNHCR through the Virgin Atlantic Foundation.
Virgin Atlantic Football Club has previously played against easyJet, Beder Football Club and Stonewall Football Club to raise funds for these partners.
Estelle Hollingsworth, chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: “At Virgin Atlantic, our purpose is to empower everyone to take on the world. Joining forces with our industry competitors at British Airways is a fantastic opportunity to put our rivalry aside and raise money for just that.
“We are incredibly proud to work so closely with our charity partners, from supporting the Pakistan floods appeal through UK for UNHCR, to investing in the hearts and minds of young people with the help of The Smallpeice Trust and Speakers for Schools.
“We are so grateful for every single contribution and are committed to using our business as a force for good.”
Carrie Harris, director of sustainability at BA, added: “Together with our colleagues and customers, British Airways has proudly supported the DEC for almost 10 years.
“Through 19 humanitarian appeals, we’ve helped raise £1.7 million so far and know how important and impactful their work is for communities around the world.
“The funds raised by British Airways team through this charity match are going to support the DEC’s Pakistan Flood Appeal so we’re delighted to see our colleagues taking part.”
The match can be viewed via a livestream here. To donate through Virgin Atlantic, click here and to donate through British Airways, click here.