CALGARY — It wouldn’t be Christmas without another Christmas Miracle from WestJet, the airline’s annual campaign designed to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer.
This year, with the help of more than 700 employees nationwide, the airline delivered joy and comfort to families with critically sick and injured children staying at Ronald McDonald House locations across Canada.
“We saw huge excitement, with more than 700 of our WestJetters from across the country stepping forward to volunteer,” said Samantha Taylor, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Experience Officer. “It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together and open our hearts, especially during the holiday season.”
Across 16 locations, the airline delivered gifts to more than 600 families who must spend the holidays away from home for medical care. Items included stuffed animals, dolls and toy cars for children, as well as blankets, thermoses and noise-cancelling headphones for caregivers. Families also received gift cards from partners including Telus, Canadian Tire and Skip. A partnership with the Toronto Blue Jays added team merchandise for fans staying at Ronald McDonald House over the holidays. WestJet Cargo assisted with transporting the gifts to ensure timely delivery.
More than 400 WestJetters helped shop, wrap and deliver gifts.
“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.”
To make each gift meaningful, WestJet says its employees consulted with alumni families to better understand what items would bring comfort during a medical stay, and used that insight to guide gift selection.
“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 Chief Executive Officer 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.”
WestJet’s partnership with Ronald McDonald House Canada dates back to 2007. The company notes that its Christmas Miracle initiative has been embraced by employees for more than 13 years, with volunteers dedicating time both on the ground and in the air to support families during the holidays.
To watch this year’s Christmas Miracle, click here.
