This Christmas, the Air Canada Foundation helped bring festive spirit to underprivileged children as it partnered with Montreal’s Welcome Hall Mission for the “Noël pour tous” event. The two-day celebration saw 2,000 children experience a festive journey to Santa’s Kingdom. Once there, they were met with snow, gifts, and holiday magic.
A journey to Santa’s Kingdom
Under the theme “Travel to Santa’s Kingdom presented by the Air Canada Foundation,” the event featured a travel-themed maze where children, equipped with a boarding pass, explored a whimsical path to Santa Claus’ chalet. On arrival, every child received a Christmas gift, ensuring smiles all around. In a magical turn of events, the event coincided with Montreal’s first snowfall of the season.
The Noël pour tous Christmas event was organised for beneficiaries of Welcome Hall Mission’s “Marché Bon Accueil” and “Coeur à Soeur” programmes. “Marché Bon Accueil” is a free grocery store, while “Coeur à Soeur” supports young single mothers.
Sam Watts, President and CEO of Welcome Hall Mission said:
“Noël pour tous is an important event for the many families who regularly access the services of Welcome Hall Mission. The Air Canada Foundation’s contribution will go above and beyond in ensuring the event is successful. Each child not only goes home with gifts but has experienced some holiday magic.
Spreading the festive joy
18 Air Canada employees, including members of the Air Canada Women in Aviation Employee Resource Group and Air Canada pilots, volunteered their time to make the two-day celebration a success.
Valérie Durand, Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Sustainability at Air Canada, highlighted the significance of the initiative:
“The holiday season is a time to embrace hope and generosity, and the Air Canada Foundation is proud to support Welcome Hall Mission’s event. Our goal is to create moments of delight for children and families across communities. We hope they found joy in their journey through Santa’s Kingdom.”
Another year of impact
The “Noël pour tous” celebration marked the conclusion of a successful year for the Air Canada Foundation. Their mission is simple and focuses on improving children’s health and well-being. Throughout 2024, the Foundation once again partnered with various organisations, raised significant funds, and supported charities across Canada.
“Noël pour tous” was one of many schemes run by the organisation.
In their 2023 report, the Air Canada Foundation raised $1.7 million and 80 million Aeroplan points to support its mission of “helping kids spread their wings”. Through its three pillars “Health, Protection, and Dreams” the Foundation funded medical care, food security, humanitarian aid, and programmes. This positive impact will undoubtedly be reported again in the 2024 report which is yet to be published.
The Air Canada Foundation continues to make a meaningful impact, spreading hope and holiday magic to families who need it most. Follow Travel Radar for more updates on the airline industry’s community-driven initiatives.
