WestJet brings spirit of the season to the Dominican Republic
The team at WestJet has done it again, with a new video showing staff bringing the charm of a Canadian Christmas to those less fortunate in the Dominican Republic.
In what has become a tradition for the company, WestJet has released their third annual holiday video, which is set in Nuevo Renacer, one of four destinations the airline serves in the Dominican Republic.
Officials say that WestJet and LiveDifferent, a Canadian charity that works on development projects abroad, have been working in the community since 2012, so it was the perfect place to bring a little Christmas cheer this year.
“Having shared the holiday spirit last year with our guests in Toronto, Hamilton and Calgary that resulted in the more than 36 million views of the video in every country around the world, we decided to celebrate Christmas this year with a community that is near and dear to our hearts. This was our chance to give the people of Nuevo Renacer a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a Canadian Christmas,” said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President.
In November, a team of 20 people travelled in secret to work alongside LiveDifferent and 40 local residents to create the 2014 WestJet Christmas Miracle: Spirit of Giving video.
In the video, the children and residents of the community are able to express their wishes to Blue Santa via teleconference, with the requests being from everything from dolls, skateboards, and other toys, to a motorcycle engine and horse to help a pair of men with their livelihoods.
Charles Roberts, executive director of LiveDifferent, says the video depicts WestJet’s desire to enrich the lives of those in the communities where airline flies as well. “Providing a memorable and fun experience that celebrates the spirit of Christmas with no strings attached, is something that WestJet did with excellence and careful consideration. We are thrilled to have a partner who shares a deep conviction to value and care for people as their first priority.”
Last year, WestJet scored with a viral video last year that had gifts coming down the luggage conveyor belt for passengers flying on three domestic flights.
Michael Franklin
CTV Calgary
Published Monday, December 1, 2014 11:34AM MST
Last Updated Monday, December 1, 2014 6:31PM MST