TORONTO — Red Label Vacations Inc. (RLV) has joined forces with sister company, Merit Travel, to support WaterAid Canada.

RLV says its donation dollars will go towards improving the quality of life in marginalized communities in the Gaya and  Madhubani districts of Bihar State in India.

RLV made the announcement to mark World Water Day, March 22.

“Our organization is always looking for ways to give back to people we serve and communities  we visit,” said Frank DeMarinis, CEO, RLV. “When our team saw the good work Merit Travel  and WaterAid Canada were accomplishing, we knew we wanted to be a part of it. I am thrilled to  announce that we will be donating to contribute to the amazing efforts of WaterAid Canada.”

Merit Travel Group has supported WaterAid Canada through financial donations as well as  corporate and travel sponsorship since 2016.

Initial support was generated in 2016 for  Ethiopia’s Clean Water for Schools project, enabling the WaterAid team and local residents to  install toilets and provide clean running water in eight schools in Ethiopia.

This year RLV and  Merit Travel are shifting their focus and support multiple efforts in India.

“Supporting WaterAid Canada is part of Merit’s DNA and company culture. We are proud to  support WaterAid Canada and are excited to expand this initiative across our entire  organization,” said Darren Prashad, Lead Corporate Social Responsibility Representative, RLV.

Prashad adds that RLV prides itself in operating its business in a sustainable way, and at the same time is mindful of the environment and society.

“WaterAid Canada is deeply grateful for its longstanding and meaningful partnership with Merit  Travel Group, and we are thrilled to welcome Red Label Vacations’ support of our mission to  transform lives through access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene,” said Nicole Hurtubise, CEO of WaterAid Canada.

Hurtubise adds: “In Gaya and Madhubani,  this shared values-based alliance will improve access to these very basic human rights for hundreds of thousands of people — unlocking their potential and helping to lift entire  communities from the cycle of poverty.”

Prashed can be reached at darren.prashad@merit.ca.