Photo courtesy Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland
The Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland express
delight at Cathay Pacific’s thirty-fifth anniversary of flying into Canada.
That’s because Big Sisters came up winners in a large competition for a $35,000
grant from the airline to recognize this big birthday.
With their money, Big Sisters will continue
their work with young people who, according to Cathay Pacific Airways’ Jennifer
Pearson, “May be facing challenges like bullying, isolation, social anxiety,
low self-esteem and more.”
Their winner entry came in the form of a videooutlining the the success of Big Sisters’ work. As an organization, they aim to forge strong female bonds within the community, offering mentorship.
According to Pearson, “Whilst all submissions
received were from worthy organizations, Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland won
over the judges with their storytelling journey of reuniting a Big and Little
Sister and how that relationship helped transform a young life.”
"As an international airline that brings
families and friends together from around the world, Big Sistersof B.C. Lower Mainland's entry resonated
with our judge panel," says Ross Cronin, Cathay Pacific’s director of
sales and marketing for Canada.
"Social responsibility is at the core of
the Cathay Pacific ethos so, if this gift can in some way help grow a young
person's potential for a brighter future, we consider it a success," he
says.
Just as the web of connections between people
in the lower mainland has grown and strengthened by Big Sisters, so too has the
global web of Cathay Pacific travel routes.
Pearson outlines what the airline offers
North American travellers: “Cathay Pacific offers 17 flights weekly non-stop
between Vancouver and Hong Kong, 10 flights weekly non-stop from Toronto to
Hong Kong and a daily non-stop service between Vancouver and New York (JFK).
Also, from the convenient hub of Hong Kong, the airline offers seamless connections
to an extensive Asian network, including over 22 cities in Mainland China,
operated by sister airline, Cathay Dragon.”
Of the competition for the grant, Pearson
says, “Cathay Pacific was overwhelmed by over 40 contest entries, all from
meaningful and worthwhile local organizations. In recognition, the judging
panel wanted to acknowledge the two runners up: Alzheimer Society of B.C. and
Ovarian Cancer Canada who were both awarded two Premium Economy Class tickets
from Vancouver to New York in support of their charitable fundraising efforts.”
And Big Sisters is paying it forward. “The
$35,000 valued gift will help Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland raise much
needed funds to continue their important work in the community. On Big Sisters
Day (September 18) the charity called for Big and Little Sisters to reconnect
with the organization, asking them to share their story as to how the program
has positively impacted their lives. All entries will have the chance to win
two Cathay Pacific Premium Economy Class tickets from Vancouver to New York,”
says Pearson
For more information click here.
Oct-16-2018
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Jaana is a long time Richmond resident who has been in the newspaper industry for more than 34 years.
An award-winning photographer, Chung has been capturing images of Richmond people, places and events for more than 25 years.
