Heathrow Airport’s staff transformed Heathrow Terminal 1 into a mecca of green on St. Patrick’s Day last week (March 17), as they launched their very worthy 2011 charity of the year campaign for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Volunteers from BAA, Macmillan and Aer Lingus adorned in leprechaun costumes, green wigs and Irish rugby shirts gave an all-green look to the building – the only terminal at Heathrow with flights to Ireland – whilst collecting donations from passengers and staff.

The new charity of the year partnership with Macmillan hopes to raise £200,000 ($324,569) for people affected by cancer through staff fundraising events, passenger collections and promotions. Not just showing the love for all things Irish, other fundraising events to come include a charity golf day and a black tie charity ball. 

The money raised will help Macmillan to deliver its vital services in the local boroughs around Heathrow, including expert medical care, essential information, emotional support and financial help for people when they need it most. 

HELPING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Nick Cullen, Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer said: “I am very pleased to launch Heathrow’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in 2011. We’ll be trying very hard to raise vital funds for this worthy cause over the next year. It’s a great opportunity for staff at Heathrow to come together and help a crucial initiative in the local community”.

Erika Razzaque, Corporate Account Manager from Macmillan said: ‘On behalf of everyone at Macmillan, I would like to thank all of Heathrow’s employees for choosing to support Macmillan Cancer Support in our centenary year. With the support of their staff and customers, this partnership will help to make a real difference to people affected by cancer and help Macmillan in our ambition of reaching everyone living with cancer. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of fundraising with the team at Heathrow.” 

Macmillan Cancer Support was chosen following a staff vote of BAA’s 6,500 employees at Heathrow. The cancer charity has pledged to use any funds to help with projects in the boroughs closest to Heathrow airport. The initiative is a key part of Heathrow’s community investment programme and the partnership will run for the whole of 2011. 

This is the fourth Charity of the Year partnership that Heathrow has adopted. Over £550,000 ($892,567) has been raised so far for the three previous partnerships – Marie Curie Cancer Care in 2008, Age Concern/Help the Aged in 2009 and Help for Heroes in 2010.