The Air Canada Foundation yesterday (June 14) marked a decade of making a difference in the lives of thousands of children across Canada and around the world, at the same time making a renewed commitment to “helping kids spread their wings.”
Since its inception in 2012, the non-profit Foundation has positively focussed on the health and well-being of children and youth, and supporting families throughout difficult and emotional times, through its various programs, partnerships, and initiatives.
Over the past decade, the ACF has provided support to more than 200 Canadian charities each year, connecting children to medical care, alleviating child poverty and helping children fulfill their dreams. The Foundation has also offered continued support to major health-related causes that benefit Canadians and is an active participant in international humanitarian relief activities.
“The Air Canada Foundation represents the heart of our organization. Its impact over the last decade is immeasurable, and I can only imagine the continued success it will have moving forward,” said Air Canada President and CEO Michael Rousseau. “I’m so grateful to employees, retirees, volunteers, customers, and all partners for their commitment and dedication over the years.
He added, “The Foundation can count on me and Air Canada’s unwavering support. I will continue to enable opportunities for employees to get involved, and I welcome even more partners and customers to join us. Let’s keep working together and improve the lives of children and families.”
Air Canada has always played an active role in serving and helping the communities across Canada and around the world, but the 2010 earthquake in Haiti was the catalyst for the establishment of the Air Canada Foundation. The airline deployed a humanitarian mission destined to both bring life-saving medical equipment to the population and help with orphanages, bringing Haitian children back to Canada for adoption. The airline quickly realized how powerful travel could be and how it could enable children to thrive for a better life.
Achievements since 2012
• Donated more than $12 million in grants to Canadian-registered charities focused on the health and well-being of children.
• Donated more than 11,000 airline tickets to charitable organizations to support fundraising activities or program development.
• Made possible more than 9,000 flights to make children’s dreams come true.
Looking ahead
As Foundation moves into its second decade, Air Canada says it is committed to continue helping kids spread their wings through its three new pillars:
• Wings of Health: Supporting pediatric hospitals, health organizations, medical transportation and treatment
• Wings of Protection: Supporting food security, child reunification, human trafficking survivors, humanitarian aid organizations and working against poverty.
• Wings to Dream: Supporting wish-granting for seriously ill, physically challenged, and impoverished children.
“I am proud to be celebrating today a significant milestone for the Foundation recognizing that every day represents a breakthrough for children and families undergoing difficult times,” said Air Canada Foundation chair Priscille LeBlanc. “Despite the recent challenging times, the Air Canada Foundation relentlessly pursued efforts to help Canadian families in need in creative and different ways and we look forward to seeing even more positive impact in the years to come.”
To learn more about the Air Canada Foundation, including its programs and partnerships, click HERE.