WestJet provides assistance to Haiti relief efforts

Funding and flights being provided to the afflicted nation

CALGARY , Jan. 15 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced in light of the horrific earthquake in Haiti earlier this week and the ensuing human tragedy that is unfolding, the airline is donating $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross. WestJet has also encouraged its employees to collectively beat WestJet's donation by giving to the relief organization of their choice.

In addition, WestJet will be donating and operating a charter flight in the coming days from Toronto directly to Port-au-Prince with much needed supplies being provided by World Vision Canada . WestJet will also be making cargo space available on scheduled flights to Miami to other aid agencies that need supplies to assist in their relief efforts.

"The entire WestJet family is deeply saddened by this tragedy and our hearts go out to the Haitian people and to all those affected by this catastrophic event," said Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO. "Such human suffering needs to be addressed immediately and therefore as an organization we are responding corporately and at the employee level in the hopes of being able to provide any assistance we can."

Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and CEO, Canadian Red Cross commented, "We are pleased to see Canadian corporations like WestJet step forward to make important contributions that will have a dramatic effect in providing assistance in our efforts in Haiti and I thank them for their generous donation. Any financial contribution will have an impact and we encourage all Canadians to help in any way they can."

World Vision Canada President, Dave Toycen, is working on the ground in Haiti right now. "Families have been separated, and we need to reconnect children and parents. We are working hard to get emergency supplies to those who need it most, and WestJet's generous contribution of a charter flight means that will happen even faster. This shows those families that Canadians care."

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 67-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, 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 86 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 49 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

Connect with WestJet on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westjet

Follow WestJet on Twitter at www.twitter.com/westjet

For further information: Media Contact: Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), email: [email protected]