WestJet is proud to be the official airline of LiveDifferent.
In partnership with LiveDifferent, WestJet launched its international Community Investment initiative, the WestJet LiveDifferent Builds program, in 2012. The WestJet LiveDifferent Builds is a nine-day humanitarian trip to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic where 50 WestJetters immerse themselves in the local community to work alongside community members, contractors, and translators to build homes and lift families and communities in the Dominican Republic.
Through this initiative, WestJet has brought its caring culture to communities in the Puerto Plata area. Since the inaugural trip, more than 600 WestJetters have come together to help build 61 new homes.
As WestJetters prepare for the WestJet LiveDifferent Build, they are also challenged to overfundraise dollars to go towards supporting community enrichment projects which LiveDifferent and local community leaders suggest to have the greatest impact. Since 2014, WestJetters have over fundraised an incredible $146,394.
Past projects include the refurbishments of playgrounds and basketball courts, support of medical clinics with equipment and supplies, funding the salary of a doctor for one year, purchasing land for a new boys and girls club/community centre, paving sidewalks and staircases to allow residents to safely move through the community, refurbishing houses, and the purchase and installation of a water well to provide consistent basic access to running water.
Funds raised also support the the Emergency Relief and Community Development Fund, which assists families and communities with unexpected hardships, such as medical emergencies, food insecurity, school fees, and disaster relief.
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