The Small Change Difference

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November 9, 2007

SWISS House in Tanzania

Pennies, nickels, dimes, and their foreign equivalents can add up to a great deal of money when received by thousands upon thousands of people.

Since 2002, passengers of Swiss International Air Lines have been emptying their pockets of foreign coins as part of a “Your small change can make a big change” campaign by the airline. Funds raised from passengers flying during 2005 helped SOS Children’s Villages in Tanzania build the SWISS House, one house amongst the village’s 13 houses and other facilities which when at capacity, will provide for 120 orphaned children.

And as if helping to build a house for orphaned children isn’t enough, employees of Swiss International Air Lines have helped to fund the children’s living expenses through their Staff Foundation for Children in Need.

And additionally, in 2006 and 2007, the passengers donated enough spare change to build a SWISS House in Thailand, and support the construction of the village there. All in all, the initiative has raised money in over 150 different currencies and collected over $800,000.

SWISS is delighted that its customers are so actively and generously involved in these humanitarian endeavours, which offer help, hope and new prospects and perspectives to underprivileged children all over the world.