Expedia launches "Give them wings' a CSR programme for street and working children!

Expedia, the world's largest online travel company, today announced the launch of their maiden CSR programme for India called "Give them wings'. Under the initiative, the company will sponsor an all expense paid 3 days holiday to Mumbai for a group of 100 street and working children kids from Delhi. As a part of the kickoff, Expedia successfully facilitated a brand new record for the maximum number of postcards hand-painted by these children. The programme is also supported by an online campaign wherein for every booking made on expedia.co.in; Rs. 100 will be contributed towards the initiative.

Commenting on the occasion, Vikram Malhi, Country head, Expedia (India) said, "While initiatives created for the underserved communities do cater to their long term needs; however, we feel the solution also resides in designing programmes that offer short term but lasting impact, especially for children. "Give them wings' project is our humble endeavor for street and working kids to help them live the childhood they have missed out on by providing them a few days of fun and enjoyment by leveraging what we offer the best 'a travel experience to cherish. Moreover, as a part of the society we live and work in, we recognize the importance of contributing actively towards its welfare and are proud to have rolled out the initiative".

For this initiative, Expedia has collaborated with Butterflies, a voluntary organization working with street and working children in Delhi. "Our vision at Butterflies is to provide a reliable environment for these kids to nurture. For us, it is indeed heartening to see Expedia taking active interest towards bringing smiles on the faces of these deprived children. The experience will go a long way in the minds of these young children ' a feeling of absolute fulfillment they will relish for a long time to come with the trip", added Ms. Rita Panicker, Director, Butterflies.

The event held in New Delhi was also attended by noted theater personality and social activist, Nandita Das. Post the activity; the children will now be flown to Mumbai on January 15th, 2012. Their 3 day itinerary of the city includes trip to amusement parks, city tour and a round of some prominent movie studios.