For the third consecutive year, WestJetters' uniforms will look a little pinker in October with custom-designed pink neckwear and hats that have been made available to employees with 100 per cent of the purchase price going to the Canadian Cancer Society. Additionally, for 2018 new pink 'personality' pins were created and are available by donation for WestJetters to show their support year-round.
"As a proud supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society and the breast cancer cause, we are delighted that WestJetters have raised more than $441,000 in the last five years for life-saving breast cancer research and programs through our annual fundraising campaigns," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President Marketing Communications. "Over half of our workforce is represented by women and it's incredible to see us continue to unite together and show what our caring spirit can do in support of a tremendous cause. We are committed to making breast cancer beatable and will be proudly wearing pink this month to help bring awareness to those who have been affected by the disease."
On Sunday, 40 teams of more than 360 WestJetters and their families will also participate in the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure. As a proud supporter and the official airline of the CIBC Run for the Cure for the sixth consecutive year, WestJetters along with their families and friends will come together to walk and run at over 18 locations across Canada.
"Progress is being made against breast cancer as the survival rate for the disease is now 87 per cent," said Carly Schur, National Director of Corporate Programs for the Canadian Cancer Society. "More work needs to be done because breast cancer is still the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among women in our country. We are very thankful for WestJet and our other partners who are committed to funding breast cancer research, awareness and support programs, while also participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure which engages Canadians in this work."
"I'm wearing pink this month for my amazing sister, along with all the brave women and men who've faced the long and courageous battle against breast cancer," said Carey Steacy, WestJet Captain and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Ambassador. "I believe with support and awareness a future without breast cancer is possible."
Since partnering with the former Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in 2013, which merged last year with the Canadian Cancer Society, WestJet has provided the gift of flight assisting with reducing business administration expenses, incenting participation in the CIBC Run for the Cure and bolstering fundraising activities by encouraging employee fundraising.