CARES FOR KIDS PARTNERS
Missing Children Society of Canada
In 2004, we began our partnership with the Missing Children Society of Canada to aid in the search for missing children and to help bring them home.
How we support
WestJet's gift of flight supports the Missing Children Society of Canada to raise funds and allows investigators to travel to the frontlines and conduct hands-on search activities, no matter the location. Once a child has been located, they support family reunification and ensure all children feel safe and secure on their trip home.
WestJetters volunteer their time at events supporting the Missing Children Society of Canada, such as the annual “Raise Hope” Gala held each May, National Missing Children’s Day, and as digital volunteers through the Child Search Network.
Initiatives and highlights
WestJet helps Missing Children Society of Canada bring in record-setting amount of new users
Each year, WestJet marks International Missing Children’s Day by encouraging WestJetters and guests to help grow Missing Children Society of Canada’s Child Search Network. We promote the Child Search Network on our channels and ask WestJetters to engage in meaningful conversations and invite guests to join. 2016 was a particularly successful year as the efforts of WestJetters resulted in an additional 760,000 users joining the Child Search Network — the largest single-day increase since its launch in 2012.
About the Missing Children Society of Canada
The Missing Children Society of Canada’s purpose is to help return missing children to a safe environment. Established in 1986, the organization has evolved from distributing posters to embracing the latest technology to help police in the search for that child and return them home. They also enlist the help of other professionals in the search of missing children and work with traditional media and online/social media to bring public awareness to cases of missing kids. In addition, they provide affected families with knowledge and resources throughout the search and reunification.
All of their programs are free, ensuring all families in need of help receive it, regardless of their financial situation. With an in-house team of former police investigators, they work with federal and municipal police departments as well as international police in the search for missing children in the case of stranger abductions, parental abductions, disappearances and endangered youth cases.
"MCSC is honoured to be a WestJet Cares for Kids Charitable Partner, and receiving the gift of flight has been instrumental in our mission at the Missing Children Society of Canada. The gift of flight provided by WestJet has been a game-changer, enabling rapid and efficient mobilization in our search efforts across the country. It's not an overstatement to say that without WestJet's support, reaching our goals and reuniting families would not have been possible. Their commitment enhances our operational capabilities and echoes a profound dedication to community welfare and child safety. We are deeply grateful for this support, which resonates powerfully with our mission and values."
— Missing Children Society of Canada Chief Executive Officer Amanda Pick
Get to know our other Cares for Kids partners
WestJet Cares for Kids exists as a way for WestJet to give back to the communities we serve across Canada and help provide valuable resources to families in need.
RMHC’s network of programs helps to keep more than 25,000 families close to their sick child and the care they need each year.
As Canada's largest child- and youth-serving organization, BGC Clubs provide vital programs and services to over 200,000 young people in 700 communities across Canada.
