Volunteer Efforts
We promote and encourage volunteerism among our 55,000 employees. Whether these efforts begin at a corporate level, are grassroots-inspired, or occur on an individual basis, they have all helped to establish and nourish our tradition of support.In 1996 we created the United Employee Volunteer Program, in which we encourage employees to volunteer for community organizations that match their interests.
More than half of our senior leadership team volunteers to serve on boards of non-profit organizations in the communities where we do business. To date, more than 30,000 employees have undertaken volunteer activities through our volunteerism program, including:
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
Breast Cancer Network of Strength is a nonprofit organization with the mission to ensure, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. This year on Mother's Day, the Race/Walk to Empower attracted thousands participants across 15 cities nationwide.
The Race/Walk to Empower is the most successful volunteer and grassroots fundraising effort in United's history. We serve as both a National Official Sponsor and the Official Airline of the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.
Holiday Giving
"Making Holiday Wishes Come True" is United Airline’s annual holiday giving initiative. Each year, hundreds of employees from Chicago participate in our program, which provides hope and cheer to children and families across the Chicago area. The program enables us to partner with select nonprofit organizations to fulfill holiday wishes for children and families, most of whom meet the federal poverty income guidelines.
In 2008, United teamed up with the Chicago Bears to give more than 100 families a special holiday. We hosted an afternoon of fun, games and holiday cheer at the new United Club at Soldier Field. Several Chicago Bears players and mascot Staley were on hand to meet and celebrate with the families. More than 200 volunteers from United and the Bears made the day a memorable experience for our 500 guests.
Our non-profit partner agencies include:
Employees participate by contributing new toys, clothing, toiletries and household supplies for the kids and families, as well as volunteering for the families event.
United Run for the Zoo
We have a rich history of involvement with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. As the Official Airline of Lincoln Park Zoo, we provide travel support which helps the zoo's conservation programs. Since 1991, we have been the title sponsor of the annual United Run For the Zoo. This Chicago event attracts thousands of participants for a morning of healthy physical activities while raising funds for the zoo.
Humanitarian Aid and Relief
Food, water, clothing and medical supplies are critical necessities for those coping with natural disasters and armed conflicts. Our employees routinely respond by collecting donations and emergency relief supplies for care packages, which we then ship to emergency sites.
