Aurigny has chosen the Guernsey Sunflower Project, run by the Youth Commission, as its new Official Charity Partner.
The project provides specialist support to children and young people who have experienced the loss of a close loved one, which otherwise can have a detrimental impact on their well-being and long-term development.
The service supports around 100 children per year, both in Guernsey and Alderney. As part of the agreement, the airline has offered fare-free travel to the project’s support staff, enabling them to travel between the islands to ensure the greatest possible coverage of service within the Bailiwick.
Through this partnership, the Aurigny team will host annual events designed to bring together bereaved children, ensuring no child feels alone, and to create moments of joy and connection during challenging times. Alongside these events, the airline will also undertake fundraising efforts to support the Sunflower Project’s ongoing work.
The initiative is particularly important as the Sunflower Project is delivered by a small, dedicated team that relies heavily on charitable funding to continue providing its essential services.
Nico Bezuidenhout, Aurigny’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Family is very important to me, and unfortunately, I know how deeply grief can affect children and young people. One of the things that drew my family to Guernsey was the island’s strong sense of community and care for one another, especially its children. We’re delighted to offer our support to this much-needed service that helps maintain this sense of community.
“This is just the beginning of Aurigny’s commitment to the island’s youth – we want to play our part in helping the next generation develop, thrive, and feel supported as they grow.”
Louise Leale, CEO of the Youth Commission, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Aurigny for this wonderful partnership. Their support gives us the opportunity to bring moments of light and joy into the lives of children who are living with loss. As someone whose own family has been touched by the support of our Sunflower Project, I know firsthand how much of a difference it can make. Together, we can create experiences that help bereaved children feel cared for, connected and able to make special memories.”
Pictured: Nico Bezuidenhout, CEO at Aurigny, Louise Leale, CEO at Youth Commission, Annie Lavenne, Sunflower Projects Support Worker.
