Air Transat has partnered with 4Ukraine to help relocate Ukrainians displaced by war coming to Canada. The airline will be providing available seats to Ukrainian nationals on their flights operated from Paris and London, mainly to Montréal or Toronto.
4Ukraine.ca, whose mission includes helping 5,000 Ukrainians settle in Canada, and which has reached $67,000 of its $100,000 donation goal according to its website, will be covering taxes and airport charges.
In addition to operating the donation-based airfare program, 4Ukraine.ca includes a rigorous vetting process, host family background checks, and job prospecting for Ukrainians relocating to Canada.
“We are thrilled to work with Air Transat on this initiative,” said 4Ukraine.ca co-founder and director, Anna Chif. “This partnership means the world to Ukrainians wanting to come to Canada. Air Transat’s offer, combined with our rigorous process and our private donations, provides a viable solution that ensures Ukrainians coming to Canada are safe and prepared to live here. The arrangement will give us access to a significant number of seats and allows us to exponentially increase the impact of our donations.”
Air Transat, which has already helped several families fly to Canada, is eager to continue supporting humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, says company president and CEO Annick Guérard.
“It was important for us to support the relocation of Ukrainians with an organization that facilitates every step of the relocation process, with a focus on ensuring the safety of this vulnerable population that has already faced significant trauma,” she stated.
The partnership complements the fundraising campaign launched by Transat in March amongst its employees and customers to assist SOS Children’s Villages, a long-time charitable partner that has rapidly scaled up its response in Ukraine to meet the critical needs of vulnerable children and families affected by the conflict.
“By adding our partnership with 4Ukraine.ca to our support to SOS Children’s Villages, we are able to lend help to Ukrainians internally displaced in Ukraine, as well as those who have fled the country and wish to relocate to Canada,” added Guérard.
In addition to the funds it has already raised 4Ukraine.ca has secured a partnership with FlightHub for $100,000 worth of flights. To support families and make this offer available to more qualifying Ukrainians, Canadians can donate directly on the 4Ukraine.ca website.