Published on : Thursday, June 16, 2016
With an outpouring of support, including vigils, social media posts and logistical assistance, Delta employees and customers worldwide continue to show compassion for the victims and their loved ones following the tragic attack in Orlando on June 12.
A family center has been established in Orlando at the Camping World Stadium, formerly known as the Orlando Citrus Bowl, to provide resources to those affected. Delta team members from Reservation Sales and Airport Customer Service are on hand to provide in-person assistance. In addition, Reservation Sales has established a dedicated telephone number for travel support. The assistance team includes colleagues who have received training through Delta’s Care Team program.
Delta is offering free flights for immediate family members and designated loved ones of the deceased and injured. In addition, Delta Cargo is coordinating with local funeral homes and Eagle’s Wings to waive all Delta transportation fees for the deceased. Delta teams are assessing situations individually to meet the needs for those affected by the tragedy.
“This is the ‘Spirit of Delta’ at work,” said Charisse Evans, Vice President – Reservation Sales and Customer Care. “It is another wonderful example of how Delta people from all departments in the company come together to help our customers however we can.”
Members of Delta’s Employee Equality Network (DEEN) and additional Delta employees participated in a vigil held by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Institute at the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta on June 14. DEEN and members of Delta’s Latin American Hispanic Employee Network (LAHEN) are planning to attend a vigil on June 19 in Orlando.
Additional awareness and support initiatives are in development companywide, including signs in Delta Sky Clubs and other locations around the system, as well as a ribbon campaign spearheaded by In-Flight Service, the work group for more than 20,000 flight attendants.
“The entire Delta family’s thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of those affected by this tragedy,” said CEO Ed Bastian. “We’re grateful to our people working in person in Orlando and on the phone to take care of those affected. It’s never taken for granted, but it is what we have come to expect from Delta people rising to meet a need time and again. A special thanks to members of DEEN, who are also providing helpful resources and sharing information with our colleagues.”
Delta is a long-time supporter of the LGBT community. The airline is involved in Pride Month events, serving as an official airline sponsor of nine Pride festivals across the U.S. and Canada. Last weekend, Delta sponsored LA Pride; the Cadillac Barbie IN Pride Parade and Circle City IN Pride Festival in Indianapolis; and Motor City Pride in Detroit. Delta has also committed to partner with Come Out With Pride in Orlando in October.
Delta is also an Annual Disaster Giving Program participant with the American Red Cross, allowing the organization to be strategic and proactive in disaster response throughout the year. As people are affected by crises around the world every day, donations to the American Red Cross help to ensure that those individuals, families and communities who are most in need are helped quickly. The American Red Cross activated its emergency response in Orlando shortly after the tragic incident, providing comfort and support to families, friends, first responders and anyone else who may need it.
Customers are able to donate miles to the American Red Cross, among other organizations, through SkyWish. SkyWish is the charitable arm of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program, which allows Delta and its SkyMiles members to donate miles to charitable organizations worldwide.
Source:- Delta
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