The tournament took place earlier this week, on Sept. 27, after a one-year pause due to COVID-19. Held at Quebec’s Saint-Raphaël Golf Club and following local COVID-19 protocols, the tournament brought in some 250 guests.
“On behalf of all the children and families whose lives are touched by the Foundation, I extend a heartfelt thank you to Air Canada’s partners and friends who joined us today to support the Foundation’s activities,” said Priscille LeBlanc, Chair of the Air Canada Foundation.
“Their ongoing generosity is particularly heartwarming this year as the pandemic has made times more difficult than ever for many of the young Canadians we support. The funds raised at this event will go to children in need, some who otherwise would not get to eat breakfast everyday and others who need to fly great distances for urgent medical care,” added LeBlanc.
Says Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Public Affairs at Air Canada: “After a challenging 2020, we were thrilled to finally hold this annual event that helps support charitable organizations across Canada which are focused on the health and well-being of children and youth. The Foundation has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, and through the tireless work of so many outstanding Air Canada volunteers, employees and retirees, as well as the unwavering support of our partners. This successful event would not have been possible without them.”
One of the activities during the tournament allowed golfers to support three charities selected by the Air Canada Foundation. Each participant was given a $50 certificate, which they could donate to either of the three charitable organizations during their round of play. Thanks to this initiative, The Terry Fox Foundation, La Tablée des Chefs and Canadian Red Cross received a total amount of $12,000.
Meanwhile at the lemonade stand youngsters Maika and Zachary, representing charitable partners of the Air Canada Foundation, raised $16,375.
At the closing of the event, each guest received a meal box, courtesy of the Tablée des Chefs. Unused meal boxes were donated to the Old Brewery Mission.
The Air Canada Foundation was pleased to welcome TD as Presenting Partner of this year’s event. There was also a long list of Honour and Gold sponsors.
In 2020 the Air Canada Foundation granted over $2.4 million in financial and in-kind support to 100 Canadian registered charities and helped over 150 fundraising events and initiatives.
Other fundraising initiatives include Every Bit Counts, Air Canada’s onboard collection program that facilitates the donation of currency of any denomination on Air Canada flights or through collection containers available at Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges.
