Welcome to Champions for Children
This microsite is created for American Airlines employees who are current or prospective volunteers with UNICEF's global Change for Good program. These volunteers are called Champions for Children.
Serving as the U.S. support for the program, more than 5,000 Champions for Children volunteer their working hours to collect foreign and domestic currency contributions from American Airlines customers on select international flights.
Champions for Children is led by the Champions Advisory Council (CAC): selected American Airline employees that serve as a liaison between the Change for Good team, flight attendants, regional base representatives and prospective members.
Impact of Champions for Children
Each year, Champions for Children vote on a UNICEF project to support with a portion of funds they have collected through Change for Good.
Through the Change for Good program, Champions for Children have also supported UNICEF’s emergency response since 2010.
Champions for Children visit Nicaragua to learn more about the UNICEF programs they are supporting for children in the country.
Already a Champion for Children?
On this site, you will find resources that will help you be successful in your fundraising efforts, such as PA cards in various languages, in-flight and recruitment guidance, fundraising impact, Champions for Children community updates and responses to FAQs. If you have any additional questions or feedback, please reach out to championsforchildren@aa.com
Share your stories with the Champions for Children team
- championsforchildren@aa.com
- facebook.com/championsforchildren
- employee-only Facebook group
- instagram.com/unicefchampions
Champions for Children in action
Emergency response
For over 25 years, American Airlines has supported UNICEF’s emergency response work including COVID-19 in Latin America, Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, Ebola in West Africa, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
UNICEF program visits
Annually for the past 10 years, Champions for Children visit a UNICEF program that they supported through Change for Good. Through these visits, they see firsthand the impact that their volunteering has on children and families around the world.
Photo: Champions for Children visit a primary school in Barbuda. From left to right: Irene Ruiz, Johnny Guzman, Suzanne Wilcox, Gaby Jimenez, Christina Andersen, Hugh Corn and Jason Parks
Annual recognition
Every year, American Airlines and UNICEF USA recognize four outstanding Champions for Children with the “Champions of the Year” award. Nominated by their peers, these Champions are selected for their passion, leadership and dedication to children around the world.
Photo: 2020 honorees Natasha Chowdry, Carole Winer-Sorensen, Valter Gustafsson and Bruce Lawson
UNICEF events
Throughout the year, Champions for Children and American Airlines headquarters staff attend nationwide and virtual UNICEF events, from galas, to workshops, summits and webinars.
Photo: Champions for Children Adnan Khalil (far left) and Jesseca Torres (far right) attended the 15th annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball with Change for Good team members Christina Andersen (middle left) and Katy Phillips (middle right)
Advocacy and awareness
Every year on November 20, American Airlines celebrates World Children’s Day with UNICEF – a day to promote children’s rights worldwide. Past awareness initiatives included an advocacy pop-up at the Change for Good base, specialized collection PA’s and Champion for Children spotlights across American Airlines social media platforms.
Photo: Champion for Children Irene Ruiz (right) and Change for Good base representative Lona Hart (middle) celebrate World Children’s Day at PHX
Super Coin
Super Coin is the unofficial mascot of the UNICEF Change for Good program on American Airlines. A travel companion to Champions and kid passengers since 2009, Super Coin is helping spread the message that we can all make a difference for children — one coin at a time. Email the Champions for Children team with your name, base and trip details to take Super Coin on your next flight.
Ready to join us?
Email your name & base OR Register on Jetnet
Learn more about the American Airlines and UNICEF partnership.
Learn more about how UNICEF and companies work together to create better futures for children.
Top photo: Champions visit education sites in Antigua and Barbuda supported by their UNICEF Change for Good collections