Spreading holiday cheer with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
To say that 2020 has been a challenging year, is an understatement. Despite – or perhaps because of – all of the challenges, we knew how important it was for us to spread joy and brighten spirits by keeping a cherished holiday tradition alive. This year marks our ninth consecutive WestJet Cares for Kids holiday tradition in partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada whereby WestJetters and their local Boys and Girls Club (BGC) – or Big Brothers Big Sisters agency where a BGC isn’t available – from across Canada come together to spread some much needed holiday cheer.
As safety is paramount, we knew we needed to change up our in-person holiday events to meet the proper safety protocols in each of the communities we serve. WestJetters in close to 30 communities from coast to coast were not deterred and worked with their local BGC to put together virtual holiday events including gingerbread house decorating kits, holiday crafting materials, holiday themed games, or stem-based activities/games or hampers including food, gift cards, clothing and other holiday for families who could benefit from some additional support this holiday season.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has been a valued WestJet Cares for Kids partner for the last 13 years and in addition to our annual holiday celebrations, WestJet works year-round to provide the gift of flight to fundraise to support enriching programs and essential services that benefit young people, their families, and their communities.
As Canada’s largest child-and youth-serving charitable organization, Boys and Girls Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in 775 communities across Canada. During critical out-of-school hours, Clubs help young people discover who they are, what they can do, and how they can get there. Their trained staff and volunteers give young people the tools to realize positive outcomes in self-expression, academics, healthy living, physical activity, mental health, leadership, and so much more. Since 1900, Boys and Girls Clubs have opened their doors to children, youth, and families in small and large cities, and rural and Indigenous communities. If a young person needs it, the Clubs provide it.
We are incredibly grateful to our WestJetters and WestJet Cares for Kids partners for all that they do to make the holidays cheerful and our communities more vibrant all year long – thank you!
From all of us at WestJet, we wish you and yours a safe and joyful holiday season and a happy 2021.
