Estimated reading time 3 minutes, 3 seconds.
The heartwarming video stars eight youth from the BGC of Calgary and eight youth from BGC of Central Florida as they travel across North America by plane, volunteer in two communities, forge lifelong friendships and have fun in a way that only WestJet can facilitate. The youth were brought together for the opportunity to share in new experiences, learn from each other and further develop their leadership skills.
“It is an extension of our caring culture to create remarkable experiences for the young people our WestJet Cares for Kids partners serve,” said Jenifer Badry, WestJet team lead, Community Investment. “Our partnerships are designed to enrich lives, while encouraging and enhancing youth development. These 16 exceptional Boys and Girls Club leaders will never forget their time together and will take back what they learned and apply it in their local clubs and communities.”
“We are proud to partner with an organization that promotes kindness and leading by example,” said Marlene Deboisbriand, interim president and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. “Thanks to WestJet, these youth leaders – kind and exemplary individuals themselves – were given an experience they will carry with them forever. The chance to gain a different perspective, help out two different communities and have a brilliant time is priceless.”
“WestJet Cares for Kids was born out of WestJetters’ desire to positively impact the health and well-being of children and youth,” said Badry. “In addition to creating remarkable experiences, we also contribute the gift of flight that helps our charitable partners deliver essential programs to children and youth, raise money and reduce the cost of their business travel.”
To read more about the surprise adventure from the perspective of two lucky attendees, visit the WestJet blog.
In 2015, WestJet Cares for Kids donated more than 7,050 one-way flights to our charitable partners. Throughout the holiday season, WestJetters also hosted Christmas parties for 25 Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada. WestJet Cares for Kids charitable partners are Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, The David Foster Foundation, Free the Children, Hope Air, Make-A-Wish Canada, Missing Children Society of Canada, and Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada.
