Delta Air Lines Rocks with Jon Bon Jovi and Habitat for Humanity to Unveil Global Philanthropic Pledge and Newly-Painted Livery for “Delta’s Force for Global Good” Aircraft
ATLANTA, Dec. 4, 2006 – Delta is partnering with rock icon and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi and Habitat for Humanity International to unveil a new philanthropic commitment and specially-designed Delta aircraft livery that will carry its message worldwide. The campaign, “Delta’s Force for Global Good,” will focus on uniting the airline’s employees and customers in support of global philanthropic efforts. Delta will launch the campaign with Habitat for Humanity International with its first international build in Katlehong, South Africa, Dec. 6-8.
Today, Jon Bon Jovi, who was recently named Habitat for Humanity’s Founding Ambassador, joined Delta executives, thousands of Delta employees and Habitat representatives in the airline’s hometown of Atlanta to unveil a Delta Boeing 767-300 aircraft that features a Habitat for Humanity paint schematic and “Delta’s Force for Global Good” decaling. The aircraft symbolically represents Delta’s philanthropic pledge and partnership with Habitat, as it flies throughout Delta’s worldwide network including Dakar, Senegal and Johannesburg, South Africa.
“Delta’s Force for Global Good” leverages the combined assets of Delta’s vast global network of more than 45,000 employees who volunteer their time and Delta’s charitable foundation to support the global communities where Delta customers and employees live and work. The employees chosen for the build in Katlehong, just outside of Johannesburg, were selected from an employee group that has volunteered more than 150 hours annually to community service. The build is the first of several Habitat projects that Delta will fulfill, all under the “Delta Force for Global Good” umbrella, in other countries and in which Delta employees and customers will have the opportunity to participate.
“Today marks a new page in Delta’s history book as we announce this exciting new philanthropic commitment and our first partner in this effort, Habitat for Humanity International,” said Delta’s Chief Executive Officer Jerry Grinstein. ”Delta’s Force for Global Good leverages the deep volunteerism of Delta’s employees – the backbone of our philanthropic efforts for 77 years – for the benefit of global humanitarian efforts. We’re honored that globally-recognized performer and humanitarian Jon Bon Jovi joined us for the symbolic unveiling and we can’t wait to begin building our first global Habitat homes in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Dec. 6.”
Delta tapped Bon Jovi to help unveil “Delta's Force for Global Good” and its new relationship with Habitat, given his deep support of and official connection with the organization – Bon Jovi was recently named the first Founding Ambassador of the Habitat for Humanity Ambassador program. His support for Habitat for Humanity began in 2005 when he provided the funds to build six homes in Philadelphia and worked to build the homes with the homeowner families and members of his Philadelphia Soul Arena Football Team. Later, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Jon Bon Jovi surprised Oprah Winfrey with a check from his band for $1 million. Bon Jovi, Habitat, and Oprah’s Angel Network built 29 homes in Houma, Louisiana for families previously displaced by the natural disaster. Then, in October 2006, Jon announced a unique partnership he brokered between Project HOME, Habitat for Humanity, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation and Saturn to renovate 15 row houses in one of Philadelphia’s most poverty-ridden neighborhoods. Including those 15 homes, Jon is currently a motivating force behind a total of 49 homes being built for low-income families.
”In my role as a Habitat for Humanity Ambassador, I’m pleased to help Delta Air Lines announce their new philanthropic program and commitment to Habitat,” said Bon Jovi. ”I can speak from experience that Delta’s employees who are committing their time to Habitat will feel proud and moved by their dedicated efforts. Their involvement – and the Habitat messages that you can’t miss, emblazoned on this Delta aircraft – will encourage others to become involved and share in the rebuilding of their own communities.”
"Habitat for Humanity is honored to be chosen as the first partner in ‘Delta's Force for Global Good' program,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "Delta is demonstrating great corporate citizenship by helping to build Habitat homes and raise awareness about the critical need for simple, decent housing in countries around the world."
Photo - Delta Airlines
