Hatrack Heroes!

Have you ever wondered about the “glamorous” lives led by beautiful cabin crew or well-navigated pilots? Well, it’s not necessarily about the shopping we might do, the beaches we sun-bake on, or the hotels and restaurants we frequent. In fact, it is often about experiencing countries from the farthest corners of the globe, and seeing first-hand the many sad and horrific situations faced by these societies. As a result, many selfless airline crew are deeply involved with a number of lesser-known charities and non-profit organisations around the world, dedicating their time and money toward helping the disadvantaged. Whether it be vulnerable children, migrant worker conditions, or perhaps animal cruelty, Hatrack Heroes! aims to raise awareness of these organisations, and give you an insight into their day to day lives. In this podcast we find out what these charities are doing, who they are, and how they are dealing with the issues faced. By listening, we hope these emotional and heartwarming stories will impact you in some way, even if it just makes you THINK!

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Hatrack Heroes!

Hope For The Vulnerable

March 22, 2021 • Elle & Arthur / Alejandro Magalhaes • Season 4 • Episode 4

Have you ever had a moment where you've felt vulnerable? A moment where you've felt uncomfortable and with what feels like a minimal amount of control over a situation?

If you have, then you might have a small inkling about what the children of the small town of Senya-Beraku on the coast of Ghana, two hours from Accra feel. However, these children have grown up with this vulnerability staring them in the face every day pretty much from the moment they open their eyes into this world. Whether they are an orphan, or whether they've just been left in a room by the mother, to fend for themselves... just like the child our guest in this episode talks about.

Alejandro Magalhaes is airline crew in the Middle East, and due to the current situation for travel (or lack of), he was able to take time out from his work to venture into the world of volunteering with Becky's Foundation.

Hear his story on how he managed to find his way to Ghana, the planning he made for his journey, and then the eye-opening experiences that were thrust upon him when he arrived. Emotions can get the better of anyone, and with Alejandro it was no different, as he was able to find connections with many of the children in the foundation... from a football wizz, to fleet-footed dancers, to a little girl called Mary 'cheeky'.

Alejandro also gives his thoughts on the trials and tribulations of volunteer work, and offers a warning to those of you who might be thinking of doing this kind of thing.

Is volunteer work something for you? Find out more from Alejandro in this interesting chat.