The Air Canada Foundation joins with World Vision to help Nepal earthquake survivors

Canadian airline and its employees make generous donation to World Vision's relief efforts

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 5, 2015 /CNW/ - The Air Canada Foundation and Air Canada employees have made a significant donation to World Vision's relief effort for survivors of the earthquakes in Nepal. In the wake of the April 25th earthquake, Air Canada asked its employees to support World Vision's relief efforts and their generous contributions were matched by the Foundation and the Government of Canada, bringing the total amount donated to more than $80,000. World Vision will use these funds to continue to support its life-saving efforts to provide food, supplies, medical care and shelter to children and their families affected by the earthquake.

The April 25th earthquake, which was followed by a second quake on May 12th, left more than 8,600 people dead and injured thousands of people. Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed or severely damaged by the quakes, and hundreds of aftershocks rattled the region for several weeks.

Quotes:

"Air Canada's employees and retirees have once again stepped up and joined efforts with the Air Canada Foundation to help the victims of Nepal's two devastating earthquakes," said Priscille LeBlanc, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Chair, Air Canada Foundation. "The total raised from employee and retiree contributions, the Air Canada Foundation match, and the subsequent Government of Canada match means our activities contributed over $80,000 to help those so desperately in need.  I thank the Air Canada family for their generous support."

"We are extremely grateful to Air Canada and its employees for their generous support of our Nepal earthquake relief efforts," said Michael Messenger, president and CEO of World Vision Canada. "While we continue to meet the immediate needs of children and their families in Nepal, we're also beginning to plan for our longer-term recovery efforts in areas affected by the earthquake. This donation will assist our efforts to help the survivors rebuild their lives and give children a better and safer future."

Facts on the World Vision's earthquake relief efforts:

• World Vision's relief efforts for survivors of the Nepal earthquake have reached over 53,000 people in the affected areas, providing food, shelter, hygiene supplies and establishing Child-friendly Spaces where children can play and receive support in a safe environment.
• Canadians have donated more than $6 million to World Vision Canada's Nepal earthquake fund.

Facts on Air Canada:

• The Air Canada Foundation's mission is to help connect sick children to the medical care they need, alleviate child poverty, and make the wishes of ill kids come true. The Foundation works towards this mission by supporting pediatric hospitals, providing assistance to charitable organizations, and raising funds.
• Air Canada and now through the Air Canada Foundation, has a long history of working with reputable relief agencies to provide first response support during times of disaster in Canada and around the world. Working for an international airline, Air Canada's employees cross borders especially when it comes to helping communities, with many initiatives and humanitarian efforts initiated by the Foundation and undertaken by employees worldwide.

To learn more about World Vision Canada's Nepal earthquake relief efforts, please visit our website or call 1-800-268-5528.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca.

SOURCE World Vision Canada

For interviews, media may contact: Bob Neufeld, Manager, Emergency and Corporate Communications, World Vision Canada, 905-565-6200, ext. 3265 or 647-622-2045. E-mail: [email protected] or Air Canada at [email protected]