WestJet receives international Make-A-Wish(R) award

Airline recognized with international corporate partner award

CALGARY, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ - WestJet today was presented with a Make-A-Wish(R) International Corporate Partner Award for 2009.

Make-A-Wish International asked each of its affiliates around the world to nominate their one outstanding corporate partner for the 2009 Affiliate Partner Recognition Awards, which were presented at the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 30th Anniversary Celebration Conference in Orlando, Florida. Following its nomination by Make-A-Wish(R) Canada, WestJet was selected as one of the recipients of this prestigious award by the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish International.

"This is an honour for all of our 7,900 WestJetters," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President, Communications and Community Relations. "Our airline is built on a foundation of caring, and we're delighted that WestJetters' efforts to be a part of the wish-granting process have been recognized. Our relationship with Make-A-Wish Canada is special and important to us, and we look forward to our continued involvement."

"With the strong and continued support of WestJet, we have been able to make the magical travel wishes of our courageous wish children come true," said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "This award truly recognizes the dedication and community spirit of WestJet. We proudly thank WestJetters across Canada for helping to make our mission possible."

"WestJet provides the gift of flight to Make-A-Wish Canada through our WestJet Cares for Kids program," said Richard Bartrem. "Our operational teams work diligently to provide unique and memorable flight experiences for the Make-A-Wish children and their families, and all WestJetters take great pride in caring for our guests, one another and our airline."

Created in 2007, the WestJet Cares for Kids program supports children's charities across Canada. Through this program, WestJet annually provides more than 6,000 flights to support the operational and fundraising efforts of its charity partners.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 90 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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About Make-A-Wish Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada(R) (www.makeawish.ca) is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, seven independent regional chapters grant magical wishes to children from coast to coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish(R) International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 250,000 children since 1980.

SOURCE WestJet