ORANJESTAD – Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) in collaboration with Directorate of Social Affairs (DSZ) donated a total of 172 toys to DSZ who will distribute these among children below 12 years old. 

After assessing the social impact that the COVID19 crisis would have on the remaining of 2020 on the most vulnerable in our community, AAA initiated a social assistance project called “Wings of Hope” (WoH) in May of 2020. The purpose of thisproject was to assist around 70 families that were identified by DSZ as families in dire need, with basic necessities as of end of May 2020 through the end of December 2020. These families received help in the form of bi-weekly food vouchers as well as Back-to-school supplies for their children in August 2020. One of WoH’s primary goals was to give less fortunate children a possibility, despite their parents’ circumstances, to feel the magic of Christmas. Based on a list provided by DSZ, AAA donated a total of 172 toys.  

AAA’s CEO, Joost Meijs indicated that despite AAA’s own current challenging situation, AAA remains committed to its social responsibility efforts and WoH has proven to not only be necessary for 2020 but that a further roll-out into a full-fledgedprogram is also very much needed for the years ahead. 

Director Health, Safety and Sustainability and WoH leader, Angeline Flemming indicated that much more than the forecasted 70 families have received support through this project and that a plan has been prepared to turn this project into a multi-year program, which will be based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). “For 2021 our “Wings of Hope” will focus on the SDG’s including Hunger, Education, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Airport Community and Partnership” which will be carried out through several projects to achieve these goals.