ORLANDO – When Caribbean Airlines publicised in April that it would be operating a service to Orlando, the airline also took the opportunity to announce that it would be working together with several organisations to give four children a dream vacation to Disney World.
Four months later the project was finally realised when the first two recipients of the project checked in at Piarco International Airport to begin a fun filled trip to Caribbean Airlines’ third Florida destination – Orlando.
Working with United Way, Caribbean Airlines was able to sponsor four children coming from organisations across Trinidad including, Raffa House, Hope Centre, The Couva Children’s Home and Bridge of Hope.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Airlines Robert Corbie was on hand together with members of the airline’s executive team to usher the children and their chaperones to their flight on Tuesday morning. “Caribbean Airlines continues to be very appreciative to the local community for their support to the airline as the national carrier of Trinidad and Tobago. We are aware that it is our corporate duty to give back to society and to causes that aid in the development of youth, culture and the arts. This project, headed by our Corporate Communications team, involved the expertise from many quarters. We have so many people to thank.”
The airline worked with United Way of Trinidad and Tobago to identify suitable organisations in the country who would qualify for the programme. “Once this step was completed, Caribbean Airlines approached the immigration authorities in Trinidad and Tobago and the United States Embassy. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the guidance and assistance given to us by these entities to make this a reality” stated Laura Asbjornsen the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications. Mrs. Pamela Francis, CEO of United Way, underscored the need for corporate Trinidad and Tobago to follow through on their philanthropic programmes saying that “Corporate T & T continues to make excellent contributions to the social sector through the strong NGOs that United Way supports.
CAL has made the dream of every child to visit Disney come through for these very special children. This is indeed an excellent way to support and encourage all our children and to let them know that dreams do come through.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Miss World delegate Leann Forbes stands next to the airline’s Chief Executive Officer (Ag) (centre) Robert Corbie. From left to right – Nirmala Ramai, Executive Manager Airports; Bridges of Hope Guardian Anne Marie Morrison together with Sabita Gomez. From the Couva Children’s Home Keron Cuffy and Guardian Joanne George. On the far right is the airline’s Vice- President Maintenance and Engineering Colville Carrington.
To make the moment even more memorable, the Trinidad and Tobago Miss World delegate Leann Forbes on hand to greet the children before they left for Orlando. Each child will be accompanied by a legal guardian and a Caribbean Airlines chaperone to spend four days in Orlando courtesy Caribbean Airlines. The group will stay at the Disney Caribbean Beach Resort Hotel and will be able to visit all the major Disney theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Caribbean Airlines recently announced that it will continue to operate the Orlando route via Kingston past the summer period. That first flight is set to operate on 16 September. Customers can book their trips and hotel packages on www.caribbean-airlines.com.
Laura Asbjornsen, Caribbean Airlines’ Head of Corporate Communication shares a light moment with Sabita Gomez, Gail Weekes, Campaign Marketing Officer with United Way Trinidad and Tobago, Anne Marie Morrison, Keron Cuffy and Joanne George just after they check into the Caribbean Airlines
Keron Cuffy and Sabita Gomez wave as they enter the departure area of Piarco International Airport together with their guardians Joanne George and Anne Marie Morrison for their Caribbean Airlines holiday in Orlando.
