I know I say this every year, but where did the time go? We’ve snapped our fingers and poof! The holiday season is upon us. And this year, more than ever, I know that many of my friends and followers are looking for ways to give back. In fact, I’ve been so inspired by acts of kindness, generosity and selflessness that I’ve seen all year long! Whether it’s donating time to assist others or offering support to a special cause, there’s no better time to share in the true spirit of the season.
Need a little inspiration? Here’s a quick and simple way to help make a huge impact.
From December 2nd to 8th 2019, Aeroplan, through its annual Mile Matching week, will once again support the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program. All miles donated to the Air Canada Foundation during the week will be matched, up to 500,000 miles. These miles help provide flights to children who need specialized health care not available in their hometown. Since the introduction of the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program in 2003, hundreds of sick children, accompanied by a parent, have been able to obtain the medical care they needed away from home.
Photo (and feature image): First Steps Photography
I’m blessed to live in a city where medical assistance for both my children is readily available. However, for many parents across the country and beyond, their situation is quite the opposite. In fact, for those children currently undergoing treatment, long road trips can be strenuous for both the child and the parent, especially when several visits to the hospital are required each month or when treatments last several months.
Travelling by air avoids long tiring hours on the road and saves precious time, allowing the parents to further focus on their child. For sick children, this gives them more time for simply “being kids,” with their family and friends or at school.
Here’s where we come in.
To donate your Aeroplan Miles, please visit www.aircanada.com/Foundation and select the “Donate Your Miles” button. Aeroplan Members can also automatically donate two per cent of all miles accumulated to the Air Canada Foundation by updating the donation opt-in on their profile page on aeroplan.com.
Meet Beckett. Like any baby, little Beckett of Swift Current spent his first year of life
learning to laugh, crawl and babble. What made his first year different from most, however, was a devastating diagnosis of Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at only two months old.
Beckett and his family applied for the Air Canada Hospital Transportation Program for his follow up appointments, which covers the cost of round trip airfare for one child under 18 years old and one accompanying adult. I’m so happy charitable organizations like this exist, and I’m even happier that it’s so simple to donate and make a difference. “Today Beckett is an extremely happy little boy,” says Kelley, Beckett’s mom. “He is full of personality and love, and does not even know he is sick.”
This holiday season, help the Air Canada Foundation Hospital Transportation Program support kids like Beckett by donating your Aeroplan Miles. And help spread the word! We all know someone who is looking to give back over the holidays; this is a perfect way to make your miles count.
This post was written in partnership with the Air Canada Foundation. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.
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