Montreal, February 20, 2018 — On February 14, Air Transat invited Canadians to join the conversation on social media to support its Small Change, Big Hearts program. Following this initiative, the carrier is pleased to announce that it will contribute $ 10,000 to its program for the benefit of SOS Children's Villages and the Children's Wish Foundation.
Founded in 1949, SOS Children’s Villages is the largest charitable organization in the world working with orphaned and abandoned children. Present in 134 countries and helping more than 75,000 children, it offers children safe and nurturing homes and supports disadvantaged families with a host of strengthening programs.
Founded in 1984, the Children’s Wish Foundation is a Canadian charity that grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses, helping them, their families and their communities. By making their most heartfelt wishes come true, the organization brings joy to the children, relieving their pain and offering a respite for their families. It is with this in mind that every year, since 2006, Air Transat and the Children’s Wish Foundation have joined forces to present the Flight in Search of Santa, allowing more than 2,000 children to live out their dream of meeting Santa Claus.
Set up in 2004, Air Transat’s Small Change, Big Hearts program aims to collect small change, in any currency, from passengers aboard its aircraft, to donate to SOS Children’s Villages and the Children’s Wish Foundation, two charities dedicated to the well-being of children. And since last fall, clients who purchase a Transat package can also contribute to Small Change, Big Hearts by donating $1, $2 or $5 when booking online, by phone or through a travel agent. Since the creation of this program in 2004, Transat has donated more than six million dollars to both charities.
About Air Transat
Air Transat is Canada’s number one holiday travel airline in the Canadian and transatlantic markets. It also offers domestic and feeder flights out of five Canadian airports. Every year, it carries nearly 4.5 million passengers to approximately 60 destinations in 26 countries. Based in Montreal, the company employs 3,000 people and operates a fleet of Boeing narrow-body and Airbus wide-body jets. In 2017, Air Transat was named Best North American Leisure Airline for the sixth consecutive year by Skytrax. In recent years, the carrier has earned multiple distinctions for its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. Since 2011, it has consistently been ranked number one in North America for energy efficiency, and in the Top 20 worldwide, by the Atmosfair Airline Index. Air Transat is a business unit of Transat A.T. Inc., a leading integrated international tourism company active in air transportation, accommodation, travel packaging and distribution. Transat was awarded Travelife Partner status in 2016 in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development. The vacation travel companion par excellence, Transat celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2017.