There's something truly magical about watching a child's face light up as they step off the plane, knowing their wish is about to come true. For WestJet, these moments represent far more than just another flight: they're at the very heart of what we do and who we are. This past November marked the fourth group trip to Orlando with Make-A-Wish ® Canada, bringing 29 families from across Canada for an unforgettable week in Orlando, Florida. It is an incredible experience to witness the families become less stressed upon arrival and finally able to simply be together and enjoy themselves, rather than worry about the everyday stresses of hospital visits. Volunteers from multiple Make-A-Wish ® Canada corporate partners joined together for two days of hosting families at a variety of events where children played games, enjoyed pizza, popcorn, and cookies and even meet Santa and Mrs. Claus — complete with a gift, of course! The families enjoyed the rest of the week exploring their favourite amusement parks and characters, and Florida sunshine, free from schedules and medical appointments. A partnership rooted in shared values WestJet has partnered with Make-A-Wish ® Canada since 2007 to help travel wishes take flight. This connection runs deeper than simply logistics and flights. Liz Guillemaud from WestJet's Community Investment team explained during the panel discussion in Orlando, "WestJet's purpose is to make travel accessible for everyone – whether travelling for business, leisure, checking off a bucket list item, medical, or a wish. It's part of our DNA. Our partnership with Make-A-Wish ® Canada is built on shared values and purpose." What makes these trips so special is meeting the dedicated WestJetters along the way who are so invested and connected to these families. From Liz and WestJet’s Community Investment team, the airport teams in both Canada and Orlando, to the crew, including Captain Philip, a WestJet pilot and active wish-granter. Everyone's care and connection represent the shared values of making the trip comfortable and safe for all. Why do wishes matter? The impact goes far beyond creating beautiful memories. Make-A-Wish ® Canada granted over 2,000 wishes in 2024, with almost 70 per cent of wishes involving travel. The data proves that wishes for children truly are medicine, wishes give children hope and something to look forward to and being prescribed a wish delivers long-lasting health benefits for children. Research shows positive health outcomes for children who receive wishes: Kids who receive a wish are 2.5 times less likely to have an unplanned hospital visit. Kids are 1.9 times less likely to need to use the emergency department. 95 per cent of doctors believe wishes improve health outcomes. "For many years, WestJet has been a steadfast and deeply valued partner to Make-A-Wish ® Canada, helping thousands of wish children and their families reach their most heartfelt destinations,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish ® Canada. “Their partnership in providing safe, accessible and inclusive travel experiences has delivered hope, comfort, and healing to wish kids and families across the country. The magic isn't just in reaching the destination…it's in the journey, the people who make it possible, and the hope that wishes and travel bring to every family. Check out photos from the November group trip to see the joy and magic captured in every moment: