Airline Has Raised More Than $500,000 For Breast Cancer Research And Programs Since 2013

As the official airline of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and its CIBC Run for the Cure, WestJet and more than 14,000 WestJetters are proud to announce this year's initiatives in support of changing the future of breast cancer during the month of October.

Guests flying with WestJet will notice even more pink in the skies and on the ground this year with updates to WestJetters' uniforms for the fourth consecutive year. This month, new pink aprons have been made available to WestJetters along with custom-designed pink neckwear, hats and personality pins that see 100 percent of the purchase price going to the Canadian Cancer Society breast cancer cause.

"WestJet and WestJetters are committed to making breast cancer beatable and for the seventh consecutive year we're joining alongside a collective of Canadians to raise awareness and funds throughout the month of October," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President Marketing Communications. "Since 2013, through WestJetters' dedication and fundraising, we've been able to raise over $500,000 in support of a future without breast cancer. We're inspired to wear pink and raise funds in support of research, education and awareness programs."

As a committed partner of CCS and the official airline of their CIBC Run for the Cure for the seventh consecutive year, on Oct. 6, over 30 teams featuring close to 500 WestJetters and their networks will come together to participate at 57 locations across Canada.

"Friends, families, children and spouses, coworkers, neighbours and strangers, those who have fought and won, those in our memories, and those who are just finding out what it means to fight: you are not ever alone. Pink is hope, pink is strength and, most importantly, pink is the colour that binds us together," said Stephanie Ciarrocco, WestJet Customer Service Agent and breast cancer survivor.

"The CIBC Run for the Cure unites a collective of Canadians who are a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer," says Andrea Seale, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "With the support of that collective and our dedicated partners like WestJet, we fund the best breast cancer research and provide the largest cancer support system in the country. We are incredibly thankful to WestJet for their ongoing commitment to the breast cancer cause."

WestJet provides the Canadian Cancer Society the gift of flight, helping the organization reduce administration expenses, as well as encourages WestJetter fundraising and participation in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

(Image provided with WestJet news release)

FMI: www.westjet.com