Atlantica - 01.12.2004, Síða 73

Icelandair at w o r k
A little bit of Europe’s coolest country visited Scotland in October as the second annual Iceland
Week took place. Widely recognised throughout the UK as the trendiest place in Europe, Iceland
reciprocates with a fondness for their near neighbours. The affinity between the people of these
two countries is what makes any Scots visiting Iceland feel immediately at home. Icelandair decided
to bring a part of Iceland to Glasgow to build upon this special relationship. Featuring Icelandic
culture, cuisine and music this event showcased the very best of Iceland in Glasgow, the nearest
city to Reykjavík.
During the week, four Icelandic artists exhibited sculptures, drawings, paintings and videos at the
Centre for Contemporary Arts, and SKE showed off their unique brand of Icelandic pop music.
The star of the show was the work of legendary Icelandic chef Siggi Hall at La Bonne Auberge
restaurant in association with their resident executive chef Gerry Sharkey. This restaurant is an
institution in Glasgow, with a quirky Icelandic menu on offer.
With an edgy music scene, a creative artistic community and greatly underestimated cuisine,
Iceland is one of the most intriguing countries in Europe, as the Scottish discovered during one
adventurous week in October.
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On October 24th, the third allocation from the Vildarbörn fund was
given to eight children and their families. Vildarbörn, the Special
Children Travel Fund, is a combined effort of Icelandair and its pas-
sengers to enable children with long-term illness, as well as children
living with difficult circumstances, and their families to go on their
dream journey with Icelandair. “It was great to see the impact of the
allocation on the families. The excitement and joy was apparent in
every child. This wouldn't be possible without the contribution of
Icelandair passengers who helped make this possible by contribut-
ing their left over coins on board our aircraft. Equally important are
the points that members of the frequent flyer club have generously
donated to the children,” says Ragnhildur Geirsdóttir, chairman of
the Vildarbörn board and SVP Resource Management Icelandair.
The Vildarbörn Fund started one and a half year ago and is based
on the work by Mrs. Peggy Helgason, wife of Mr. Sigurdur Helgason
President and CEO of Icelandair, with ill children.
In the time that the Fund has operated, 30 children and their
families have had the opportunity to explore the world and tighten
their family bonds.
Eight Families Receive
a Dream Vacation from
the Special Children Travel Fund
Iceland comes to Glasgow
Sigurður Helgason, President and CEO Icelandair and his wife Peggy Helgason
congratulate Óskar Óli Erlendsson and his family.
Icelandair is a proud sponsor of The Icelandic Sports
and Olympic Associations, and this year has been very
eventful. One of the years best moments came at the
Paralympics in Athens when Kristín Rós Hákonardóttir
won a gold and a silver medal in the swimming com-
petition, adding to her already impressive collection of
Olympic medals and world records. Congratulations!
Bringing Home
Olympic Gold
➔
Iceland's legendary chef Siggi Hall and Scottish executive chef Gerry Sharkey
celebrate with Sally Magnusson, BBC news presenter.
Swimming champion Kristín Rós Hákonardóttir
067 ATL604 Icelandair.indd 71 22.10.2004 17:47:10