The Millennium Foundation launched a new fundraising program that enables travelers to make “micro-contributions” toward major global heath causes at the point-of-sale.
MASSIVEGOOD will be available in leisure travel agencies and on travel Web sites starting March 4. The program allows travelers to contribute $2 to fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and to improving maternal and child health care in developing countries.
The program was originally announced on Sept. 23, 2009, when industry leaders signed a declaration of principles committing their support. Original signatories included the World Travel & Tourism Council, Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, American Express Business Travel, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Since then ASTA, the Travel Corporation and BCD Travel have pledged their support as well.
An ASTA spokesperson said that the Society is supporting MASSIVEGOOD in that, “We are working together to promote MASSIVEGOOD, its use and its mission to our members and the travel agency community at large through articles, joint press releases and other opportunities.”
"We’re extremely proud to be able to support MASSIVEGOOD and its goal of improving the lives and health of millions of people around the world," Chris Russo, president and chair of ASTA told Travel Market Report. "For travel agents and travelers, it’s a great chance to give back to the communities which we visit. Programs such as MASSIVEGOOD really show that everyone can make a difference and we look forward to the entire industry getting involved."
“There are over two billion air passengers alone each year,” said Dr. Bernard Salome, managing director of The Millennium Foundation. “Imagine if even a quarter of the people making those reservations decided to add just $2 to the price of their ticket.”
“Two dollars buys two treatments that can save the lives to two children infected with malaria,” added Dr. Philippe Douste-Blazy, United Nations under-secretary and special advisor for Innovative Finance for Development.
The Millennium Foundation has been working closely with the GDS systems to integrate the donation process into the regular workflow. Travel agents need only ask their clients if they would like to donate $2 to MASSIVEGOOD. If the answer is yes, agents just have to tick a box and continue with their booking as usual. The $2 donation will be added to the total and will be distributed to MASSIVEGOOD.
The Millennium Foundation for Innovative Finance for Health is an independent, non-profit Swiss foundation, established in November 2008 in order to create new ways to finance health systems in low- and middle-income countries. Donations received by MASSIVEGOOD will go to UNITAID, which has expanded access to life-saving medications in developing countries. UNITAID works with a wide range of partners including the Clinton Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.