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Annual humanitarian trip brings 50 WestJetters to Puerto Plata community
CALGARY, Nov. 6, 2018 /CNW/ - For nine days, 50 WestJetters immersed themselves within the local community of La Union in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to take part in the eighth WestJet Live Different Builds. On this annual humanitarian trip, WestJetters were able to build new homes for five families living in extreme poverty.
Photos of this year's build from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 are available for download by clicking here.
Since WestJet's first humanitarian trip in April 2012, more than 400 WestJetters have volunteered their time to build 38 new homes for deserving families. WestJetters' extra fundraising efforts have also contributed to many significant community enhancement projects. This year, WestJetter participants raised over $17,000 of extra funds that, when topped up to $22,000 by WestJet, were used to create engineer-designed paved pathways throughout La Union, improving walkability, water dispersion and the overall health and safety of the community.
"WestJet's caring culture has always extended beyond our aircraft and we're incredibly proud of the WestJetters who volunteer their time and talents to make this important annual trip possible," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President Marketing Communications. "By working together with Live Different and the La Union community, we are able to enrich the lives of deserving families in the WestJet world."
In 2012 WestJet partnered with Canadian-based charity Live Different to make international community investment possible in one of its most popular Caribbean destinations. Through all eight Live Different Builds, WestJet has been able to bring its caring culture to some of the most impoverished communities in the Dominican Republic.
"Live Different is consistently overwhelmed by the generosity of WestJet employees and it was our pleasure, once again, to work alongside them on the eight annual WestJet Live Different Builds in the Dominican Republic," said Alison Willis, Senior Director of International Programs, Live Different. "Together with local contractors and community members, 50 WestJetters gave it their all over the past 10 days and now five beautiful families are living in safer, dryer homes. Each time we partner up, we are amazed by WestJet's commitment to going above and beyond, not just participating on the build itself, but exceeding their fundraising goals to support other projects in the community and contribute to Live Different's Community Development Fund. Together, we truly are having a positive impact in the lives of many."
The Live Different Builds team is WestJet's on-the-ground charitable partner in the Puerto Plata area. They liaise with the local community to ensure the work addresses their needs and is done in healthy and sustainable manner; to oversee project management; to hire local contractors and translators to work alongside the WestJet volunteers; as well as to provide on-site instruction and support. WestJet Live Different Builds would not exist without Live Different's careful guidance and years of experience doing this type of work.
About WestJet
Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships. WestJet Vacations offers affordable, flexible vacations to more than 60 destinations and the choice of more than 800 hotels, resorts, condos and villas. Members of the WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more. Members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of flights and vacations packages to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods, and have access to Member Exclusive fares offering deals to WestJet destinations throughout our network and those of our partner airlines.
WestJet is proud to be recognized as Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice winner – North America for 2017 and 2018 in the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines. The airline was also named the Travellers' Choice Winner – Economy, North America, 2018. All awards are based on authentic reviews from the travelling public on TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site. We are one of very few airlines globally that does not commercially overbook.
WestJet is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the symbol WJA. For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com.
Recent recognition includes:
2018 North America's Best Low-Cost Airline (Skytrax)
2018/2017 Best Airline in Canada and Travellers' Choice Winner Mid-Sized and Low Cost Airlines – North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018 Travellers' Choice Winner – Economy, North America (TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards for Airlines)
2018/2017/2016 Canada's Most Trusted Airline (Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria)
2016 Canada's most reputable company for Corporate Social Responsibility (Reputation Institute)
2016/2015/2014/2013/2012 Ranked top three for Canadian Brands (Canadian Business Magazine)
2016/2015/2014/2013 WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (MoneySense magazine)
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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership
