'Tis the season to give for Aero Transportation

Aero recently gave away 400 turkey meals to families in Niagara Falls. This was sixth year in a row the company made such a donation.

“In 2016, we decided to do give back to community at a bigger level. It was Thanksgiving time, so naturally we decided we will give away turkey,” said Anas Mangla, operation manager of Aero Transportation. “We purchased 30 turkeys from Walmart out of our money. We randomly selected 30 people from our Facebook page and had them come in and grab turkey. It was small, but very successful event. So, they went bigger and better every year”

Owner Nasreen said, “Not going to lie, the entire process of planning the event to the giving away the last turkey meal is time-consuming and painstaking, but ultimately so satisfying!”

Why do the giveaway?

Nasreen said it is the company’s way of giving back to the community that has played a huge role in the employees’ lives.

“When my immigrant family moved from Pakistan to WNY, my family only had $100 in his pocket,” Nasreen said. “It was the local community members who helped him buy his first car, show them how to operate his own taxicab. Our neighbors and friends always helped our family. And a lot of these community members became our customers once we started Aero Transportation! I we believe that one you be grateful to God if you are not grateful to his people. Thus, when we had a chance to give back, we chose to do it so our community members can benefit whether they are our customers or not!”

Mangla said, “We went from 30 turkeys to 200, to 300 and eventually 400 turkeys for the last few years! And then we have been holding them at various locations within Niagara Falls downtown to accommodate the community in need. Thankfully, many community organizers, local political leadership, businesses and individual stepped up to help us every yea””.

A few of the sponsors over the years include:

√ Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY

√ Fidelis Care WNY

√ Peacemakers of WNY

√ Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Buffalo Chapter

√ Free Helping Hands

√ Sikh Community of WNY

√ Niagara Falls City School District

√ Niagara University

√ Red Door Reality

 “It almost is a spiritual experience, seeing lines of cars and people all around the block,” said John Campbell, owner of Free Helping Hands and one of the regular volunteers. “These people will get to eat turkey meal because of the efforts of Aero Transportation and all the other volunteers! This is truly a Christmas miracle!”

Photos courtesy of Aero Transportation