WestJetters making big impacts in their communities

Ajit, Team Lead, OCC Flight Dispatch

When Ajit and his family moved to Calgary to work at WestJet in 2007, he used volunteering as a way to connect with his new community.

“I am a living example of how volunteering weaves us together as I have been doing this for the past 12 years. It introduced me to new friends, great teamwork, and respect from a generation of kids growing up,” explains Ajit. “Volunteering is a culture that brings a sense of belonging to yourself and others you support. It inspires us to share and learn with generosity.”

The Team Lead Flight Dispatcher started off with providing a helping hand to community sports programs like the Simons Valley Hockey Association. Since then, he has continued to work with the Northern Hills Community Association, the Calgary Board of Education and the YYC Interfaith Chapel. 

Kim, Executive Assistant

A long-serving WestJetter, Kim has been at WestJet for 18 years, and has been supporting local organizations through the WestJetters Caring for Our Community program for many of those years. With two children in sports, she has spent plenty of time coaching, managing, and sitting on youth sports team boards.

“Volunteering is important to me because it is a way to give back, support my kids and our community. As a volunteer, I see that there are many people who take community run programs for granted. People seem to forget that they could not happen without the support of volunteers,” says Kim.

As the heartbeat of her own community’s volunteer network, Kim recommends people start small when it comes to starting their own journey. “Just start, if you only have an hour to volunteer, that is an hour more than they had before! Every little bit counts and makes a huge difference!”

Jenn, Project Management Office, Senior Business Analyst

Jenn has been working with the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) for more than five years. She first accessed the WestJetters Caring for Our Community program six months ago and has been able to increase her impact as a board member to help raise additional funds for critical programs and services. Jenn consistently goes above and beyond to share learnings about Indigenous people and culture internally through the organization.

“As an Indigenous woman, representation matters. We support one another in our community, build capacity for programs that uplift and empower well-being and continuously strive for progress. There’s strength in numbers and this is one way that I can help,” explains Jenn.

Debbie, Analyst - Schedule Publications

Debbie has spent the last six years volunteering with the Babe Ruth Calgary Baseball League. By volunteering with the organization, Debbie is helping to ensure that all athletes, including her son, have a successful baseball season.

Watching her son succeed is just one of the ways that Debbie finds satisfaction in volunteering. She explains, “My favorite memories from volunteering are the people I’ve met along the way. One of the best things about volunteering is that everyone is there to work towards a common goal. Building connections with others along the way is one of the many perks.”