Air Canada Foundation

The Air Canada Foundation is involved in a broad range of initiatives that improve the lives of children and youth. They regularly transport children requiring specialized medical attention to the pediatric facilities best suited to their needs. They enable children to realize their dream and provide humanitarian support when disaster occurs in the world. From collecting loose change in airports and onboard all Air Canada flights, to visiting hospitals; they’re helping young people in ways large and small. To ensure a broader reach the Air Canada Foundation also contributes to the fundraising efforts of a wide-range of national and grass-root charities that work with children and have a mission that falls within the Air Canada Foundation mandate.

Air Canada Foundation

HATS has been very fortunate to be recipients of Air Canada’s generosity in the work here in Haiti on several occasions. Most recently the foundation donated $10,000 in support of the school lunchtime feeding program. The Hands Across the Sea School has over 500 students enrolled this year from pre-school to Grade 12. Without a proper meal these children cannot concentrate and learn. Without an education they have no future and they are the future leaders of their country. The feeding program is a key development component.

The food is donated by Lifeline Christian Mission in Ohio, USA.

Lifeline Christian Mission

The cost of transportation to Haiti is excessive but thanks to Air Canada Foundation we will be able to feed the students this year. The meal is a package of Fortified Rice-Soy Protein which gives the children a healthy mix of vitamins and protein. We received our first shipment just before school reopened and the students are reaping the benefits. The second shipment was due this month but has been diverted to help in the south west region of Haiti that was hit hardest by Hurricane Matthew. In the New Year HATS will buy rice and beans locally a couple of days a week to feed the students. By then our third shipment should arrive.

Yesterday was Air Canada Foundation Day at the HATS School. The school kitchen was decorated with the Air Canada banners and the students were pleased to have their pictures taken and receive their meal and a sticker. It wasn’t quite bedlam but it was close.

Thank you to Micheline, Suzana and Marie-Claire at the Air Canada Foundation offices in Montreal. We appreciate your interest, support and encouragement for our work with the kids at the school and orphanage.

~Keith