Air Canada Foundation: A Partner Dedicated to Supporting Indigenous Communities

The Air Canada Foundation is guided by a steadfast commitment to fighting inequality and fostering the development of all children across Canada. They have been providing financial support to breakfast programs since 2012.

In May 2024, the Foundation donated over $193,000 aimed at helping seven schools in Indigenous communities. But this generous gift is about more than just money. It is a concrete demonstration of Air Canada’s pledge to supporting Indigenous communities and the well-being of children across the country. “Childhood is a critical time for development, play and learning. Hunger can have a profoundly disruptive impact,” said Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec,  a spokesperson for the Air Canada Foundation. “At the Air Canada Foundation, we are committed to protecting this important stage of life. Anything we do to reduce child hunger — especially among Indigenous children where the rates of hunger are disproportionately high in Canada — is essential.”

The schools benefiting from this donation are seeing tangible positive outcomes: “Speaking to the students and staff, they are thankful that breakfast is provided. Attendance is a significant part. Students are there every day and are happy to eat,” said Connie McIvor, Resource Team Lead at Otter Nelson River School in Cross Lake, Manitoba, and breakfast program coordinator at the school.

The Air Canada Foundation’s involvement is not limited to financial support for breakfast programs. They also donate airline tickets every year, thereby helping BCC staff members strengthen on-the-ground engagement. This logistical assistance means that more employees can play an active role in our support initiatives, which allows us to expand our nationwide reach and improve the effectiveness of our operations.

A number of Air Canada employees also volunteer with school breakfast programs. “Helping serve breakfast to kids who might otherwise spend the whole day hungry has been a heartwarming experience for me and a big lesson in humility,” said Tanya Benedetti, Manager, Customer Experience, Air Canada.

The Air Canada Foundation’s multipronged approach to supporting Breakfast Club of Canada makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families. Through these efforts, they are doing their part to build a better and fairer future for generations to come.