Q&A with an American Airlines “Champion for Children” Volunteer
Danielle de Beauffort is an American Airlines flight attendant based at Miami International Airport. She is a UNICEF supporter through her volunteer role as a Champion for Children for UNICEF’s Change for Good program on American Airlines. Change for Good is a global UNICEF program that uses travelers’ donations of unused currency to provide lifesaving services for children around the world.
Danielle de Beauffort, left, and Frances Little, right, at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York City.Danielle and Frances Little, a Dallas Fort Worth-based flight attendant and a fellow Champion for Children, attended the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York City on December 3rd.
How did you feel about attending the Snowflake Ball?
The UNICEF Snowflake Ball was such a beautiful evening. It was an honor to be part of the event just as it is an honor to be a part of the Change for Good program on American Airlines.
Why do you volunteer as a Champion for Children?
UNICEF has always been an inspiration for me because of its many programs to help children in need. My schedule makes it difficult to volunteer, but in the airplane, I can reach up to 450 passengers if I do three flights a day. I am a proud Champion for Children who will never give up.
Why do you think the program has been so successful?
When American Airlines authorized flight attendants to show a video, make public address announcements and collect donations in the blue and white Change for Good bag, the response was fantastic. I saw the enthusiasm and positive attitude for the program, and now we have more than 2,300 flight attendants who have registered to volunteer for the program.
The video helps to show the accomplishments, explains that $1, $3, $6 -- so little money -- could change the lives of children in need, like vaccinations, construction of wells, education and simply being treated as a human being.
Danielle de Beauffort, left, and Frances Little, right, at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball in New York City. What do you do to inspire American Airlines passengers to give to Change for Good?
I always felt that my personal attitude, smile and kindness toward the elderly and families with children are essential in getting donations. I also feel that my ability to speak different languages makes an impact. Passengers appreciate it because you make the effort to reach them -- to touch their heart -- in their native language.
Also, the Champion for Children pin that I proudly wear on my uniform is a subject of conversation. Passengers ask me questions and thank me for being a volunteer.
What would you like to tell an American Airlines passenger or Flight Attendant reading this?
You can get involved!
To learn more, go to: www.unicefusa.org/changeforgood
