Staff from easyJet and Virgin Atlantic are to stage a charity football match to raises funds for Ukraine humanitarian relief.
The game will take place at Horsham FC in West Sussex on April 3 with a 3pm kick-off.
Donations will go to easyJet’s charity partner Unicef and Virgin’s counterpart, UK for UNHCR, to support children and their families affected by the ongoing conflict.
The match, which will be available to watch live a livestream, is being organised by easyJet pilot Jesse Loan and Virgin cabin crew member Kyle Reynolds.
EasyJet has also been working closely with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide free seats on flights across its network for staff supporting the emergency response to the war in Ukraine.
Virgin Atlantic is diverting all onboard donations throughout March to support Save The Children’s Emergency Fund, with money raised going to help the children and families caught up in the conflict.
The Virgin Atlantic Foundation is also donating £125,000 directly to UK for UNHCR.
The long-haul airline has also set up a Crowdfunder page for its employees, partners, and customers to raise funds that will go directly to the UNHCR’s Ukraine appeal.
The Virgin Atlantic Foundation has pledged to match the funds raised up to £50,000 until April 30.
Loan, a first officer at easyJet, said: “The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has left us deeply shocked, and we wanted to come together to help raise funds and provide support to those impacted. I want to express my gratitude for the support the local community has provided for such a meaningful cause.”
Nick Barnes, first officer and football team captain for Virgin Atlantic, said: “We’re deeply saddened by the crisis that’s continuing to unfold in Ukraine.
“Joining forces with our industry colleagues at easyJet will allow us to raise money to send to the families in need through our incredible charities.
“We are so grateful for every single contribution and will continue to use our business as a force for good in these devastating times.”