United partners with Sesame Workshop to support children in need
United is spotlighting "Welcome Sesame" on its Miles on a Mission platform during the month of September
To mark National Preparedness Month, United Airlines and Sesame Workshop have announced a further extension to their partnership.
National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
During September, the airline will highlight Welcome Sesame on its Miles on a Mission platform, a crowd-sourcing program that now makes it easier than ever for its loyalty program members to do good and donate miles to national and local nonprofits.
Donated miles will help Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, deliver early learning and nurturing care to children and caregivers impacted by conflict and crisis, including children and families in Ukraine, the Middle East, South Asia, Latin America, East Africa, and other affected regions.
United will match the first million miles raised by Sesame Workshop before the end of the year.
"We're rallying our most loyal customers to join us in supporting the incredible work that only Sesame Workshop can do — for children around the world who need it the most," said Josh Earnest, SVP and Chief Communications Officer, in an airline statement from August 29. "In times of crisis, our United team routinely mobilizes our jets to help transport relief supplies where they are needed and get people out of harm's way. Extending our partnership with Sesame Workshop allows Mileage Plus members to donate miles and maximize the impact of these critical relief efforts, because we know Good Leads the Way for so many of our most loyal customers, too."
"Sesame Workshop is thrilled to collaborate with United's Miles on a Mission to bring education and joy to even more children and families through our Welcome Sesame initiative," said Sesame Workshop President Sherrie Westin in the same release. "We know children are remarkably resilient, and if they have access to quality early childhood development support, they can overcome adversity and build a brighter future."
United kicked off its relationship with Sesame Workshop in March when the airline named Oscar the Grouch as its Chief Trash Officer to help build consumer awareness of sustainable aviation fuel. Oscar has appeared in more than 30 pieces of original video, digital, social and out-of-home content to date and there's more to come. United also recently launched new children's amenity kits that feature iconic Sesame Workshop characters like Oscar and Elmo in various games and stories.
