Through its annual Christmas Miracle, WestJet is again delivering joy to families with critically sick and injured children staying at Ronald McDonald House locations across Canada. For 13 years, WestJetters have embraced the spirit of giving, volunteering their time and hearts to spread holiday magic both on and off the aircraft and maintaining a tradition that reflects WestJet’s deep connection with Ronald McDonald House Canada, which began in 2007.
“We saw huge excitement, with more than 700 of our WestJetters from across the country stepping forward to volunteer,” said WestJet Executive VP and Chief Experience Officer Samantha Taylor. “It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together and open our hearts, especially during the holiday season.”
More than 400 WestJetters also helped shop, wrap, and deliver gifts, creating extraordinary moments of connection and care.
“For families navigating difficult circumstances this holiday season, Ronald McDonald House plays an essential role in helping them stay together, an initiative WestJet is proud to support through this year’s Christmas Miracle,” added Taylor. “Christmas Miracle is about more than gifts; it’s about reminding these families that they are not alone, and that their courage inspires us all.”
Across 16 Ronald McDonald House locations, more than 600 families received gifts chosen with love, including toy cars, dolls, and stuffed animals for children and cozy blankets, thermoses, and noise-cancelling headphones for parents and caregivers.
Families also received gift cards from WestJet’s partners, including TELUS, Canadian Tire and Skip as part of their family gift. And WestJet also partnered with the Toronto Blue Jays by gifting team merchandise to fans staying at Ronald McDonald House over the holidays.
In order to ensure all of the gifts reach Ronald McDonald House locations in time for the holidays, WestJet is also leveraging its WestJet Cargo operation to assist with gift delivery.
To make each gift meaningful, WestJetters spoke with alumni families who shared what brought them comfort during their own journeys. Their insights guided WestJet’s “little elves” in choosing items that would truly make a difference.
“Every year, tens of thousands of families with critically sick and injured children stay at Ronald McDonald House, where they are surrounded by essential care during their child’s medical journey,” said Kate Horton, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Canada. “The holidays can be especially difficult for families who are away from home seeking life-saving medical care, and we are profoundly grateful for WestJet’s generosity every day in bringing extra comfort and connection during an unimaginable time.”
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