Gave a Mile’s year-end campaign to raise United Airlines miles and MileagePlus is offering a 50,000 mile match.

With United miles alone Give a Mile has been able to provide more than 120 trips since 2021 using 3.7 million donated miles.

It’s frustrating that there’s usually no good way to donate miles to charity. They’re a great asset, just like cash, and some of us have more spare miles than money. Usually we can only donate to a charity that officially partners with a frequent flyer program. And the airline or hotel is already supporting them, how much extra difference will our few thousand miles make?

I’ve wished for more for a long time, and I’ve worked hard to help Give A Mile with my time and my own miles. Give a Mile is a non-profit that helps people in need with air travel, using miles donated by members. First they began working with Air Canada. They also have a partnership with United. They’ve raised Delta miles. I’d like to see this grow and expand.

They connect those on hospice with their loved ones for a final goodbye. You can give as little as 1,000 miles.

Give a Mile does more than just spend your miles. They work with hospices, ICUs and hospitals to confirm details – they find the people who need help, validate their stories, and connect people in their last moments of life. They’re a 501(c)3 public charity and all miles going towards the program.

Hopefully the ability to give to more charities – often we’re miles rich, and cash poor – is something airlines will consider. United deserves credit for making this platform available, and Give A Mile for using it to help people in need.

Would you make a year-end donation of United miles for a good cause? I’d appreciate it. No need to do so, but please share in the comments if you’d like. And thank you.