Rallied around the cause

As you know, I like to get involved and pay it forward when I can. I have great admiration for all the causes, organizations and foundations that work so hard to make a difference in the lives of people who are affected by illness, hardship or other difficult circumstances.  

I’m privileged to be able to lend my voice to certain causes and help them shine a light on their mission, and to witness amazing moments, the small and not-so-small gestures that make an enormous difference in people’s lives.

The 8th Annual Air Canada Foundation Golf Tournament

 A few weeks ago, I headed to Île-Bizard for the Air Canada Foundation’s 8th Annual Golf Tournament. What an event!

First and foremost, I have to credit the volunteers, who were amazing. They were all retired or current Air Canada employees who took time off to come and work at the tournament alongside others who are dedicated to the cause. More than 70 volunteers were on site to ensure the day was perfect – hats off!

The Foundation had also invited two young ambassadors to join us for the day: Stone and Kaleb. They ran the very popular lemonade stand and raised, on their own, over $15,000 in just a few hours by selling raffle tickets. So impressive!

Finally, there would be no tournament without the players and sponsors. I was blown away by the generosity of the participants, whether they were playing or supporting the event.

By sundown, a record total of $1.2 million had been raised – in a SINGLE DAY. Incredible!

The Air Canada Foundation

 The Foundation’s mission is to support the health and wellness of children and youth in Canada by working to reduce child poverty. It helps sick children obtain the medical care they need and see their wishes come true. Every year, the Air Canada Foundation supports approximately 275 organizations across Canada.

Among them…

The Foundation supports many causes. During the golf tournament, five of these were highlighted and players could select one to which the Air Canada Foundation would make a $50 donation.

Dreams Take Flight: This non-profit organization is made up of Air Canada volunteers who organize the trip of a lifetime for children afflicted with medical, physical or behavioural challenges. The destination? Disney World or Disneyland.

Children’s Aid Foundation: An organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents in the child welfare system.

Starlight Foundation: This organization grants the wishes of children and their families who are living with a serious illness.  

Shriners Hospital: A short-term care centre that provides specialized orthopedic to treat rare and metabolic conditions.

Breakfast Club of Canada: The Club provides breakfast to 220,000 students daily in 1643 schools across Canada. Thanks to the support of the Air Canada Foundation, over the past seven years 1,856,085 breakfasts have been served to 11,249 students.

It was a privilege for me to attend the tournament and help to showcase the Foundation and its causes through the Je suis une maman platforms. I am delighted to be working with them. Stay tuned, because in the coming months I’ll be sharing more information about the Foundation and how we can all contribute to making a difference.

Article by Jaime Damak

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Disclaimer: This text is sponsored by the Air Canada Foundation. As always, the opinions are 100% my own.

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