The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) leads national efforts in cancer research, support, and advocacy. As the official airline partner of the Canadian Cancer Society and the CIBC Run for the Cure, WestJet supports this mission by engaging employees in fundraising and awareness activities that help improve outcomes for Canadians affected by cancer.
Since the partnership began in 2013, WestJet has provided the gift of flight to assist the Canadian Cancer Society in reducing business administration travel expenses and bolstering fundraising activities across the organization. In addition, WestJet, WestJetters, their families, and their friends have raised more than $836,051 for the Canadian Cancer Society through participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure and our custom-designed pink cause items.
Every October, WestJetters, along with their friends and families, including furry family members, participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. These funds help support cancer research, compassionate support services and advocacy on behalf of all Canadians.
During the month of October, you may spot a hint of pink sprinkled into our navy and teal. Since 2016, WestJetters have been invited to show their support by purchasing and wearing custom-designed pink items in uniform, at home and in the community, with 100 per cent of the sale price of the items going to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. They fund the brightest minds in cancer research. Their team provides a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, from coast to coast, and for all types of cancer. As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society works with governments to establish health policies to prevent cancer and better support those living with the disease. No other organization does all that they do to improve lives today and to change the future of cancer forever.
"It’s so amazing to work for an employer that cares so deeply about the breast cancer experience and having them support me through my personal experience. WestJet works so hard to bring families together during a challenging time for people. I really appreciated being able to have my own friends and family available to come visit when I was going through my own treatment. I’m just honoured to work with a company that will follow up with that commitment."
— Julie, WestJetter
"It means the world to me that my company, my WestJet family, backs us in the Run and that they are there to support everybody along the way, everybody out there working to do every little piece they can to help alleviate somebody’s stress."
— Shauna, WestJetter
WestJet’s national partners are charity organizations that serve communities and families across Canada and the world.
BGC Canada serves Canadian youth by providing safe and supportive spaces for them to build positive relationships, confidence, and life-skills. Their work focuses on advocating for and supporting at-risk youth, including youth in Indigenous communities, youth struggling with mental health challenges and youth living in poverty.
Hope Air supports Canadians overcome barriers of distance and cost to access medical care far from home.
LiveDifferent’s passion is making a difference in people’s lives. Through their youth empowerment, humanitarian build programs, including the WestJet LiveDifferent Build, and leadership development opportunities, they have inspired thousands of people to create positive change in communities on both a national and international scale.
Make-A-Wish® Canada (MAW) creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish is an integral part of a child’s treatment journey, and research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.
The Missing Children Society of Canada supports the safe recovery of missing and vulnerable people through coordinated public awareness, investigative support, and family services.
Ronald McDonald House® Canada gives families a place to stay together while their child is being treated at a nearby hospital. Their network of Canadian programs helps to keep more than 26,000 families close to their sick child, and the care they need each year.