Transat A.T. Inc. announces new partnership with SOS Children’s Villages

In December 2009, SOS Children’s Villages was named Transat A.T. Inc’s principal humanitarian partner internationally for three years. Together, SOS and Transat will work to create safe homes and bright futures for the world’s orphaned and abandoned children.

Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated tour operator that specializes in holiday travel in more than 60 countries. Transat, which was created in Canada, is an international company that owns an air carrier, provides destination services, is active in the accommodation industry and operates an extensive distribution network. Transat has made a significant commitment to corporate social responsibility with a dedication to sustainable tourism which incorporates respect for the environment and respect for the communities within which they operate. Transat seeks to provide its traveller’s with an enriching experience, and enhance positive social-economic benefits for local populations.

Transat is working with SOS Children’s Villages in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Greece and the Netherlands, making Transat AT one of SOS Children’s Villages’ largest international partners. Together SOS Children’s Villages and Transat will support SOS Children’s Villages, Schools, Medical Centres, Outreach Programmes and Emergency Relief Projects in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, El Salvador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Tunisia, Senegal, Morocco, Kenya, Egypt, Turkey, Vietnam, Philippines, and Thailand.  “Through its association with SOS Children’s Villages, Transat is seeking to contribute to the well-being of children in its destination countries, where very often even their most basic needs are not met,” said Jean-Marc Eustache, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat. “The commitment of our company and our employees speaks to a desire to improve the fortunes of individuals and communities, while helping them develop.”

Transat and its employees have already conducted an internal fund-raising campaign that raised a total of more than $85,000 that will soon be handed over to SOS Children’s Villages. In addition, passengers flying on Air Transat have been encouraged to donate their pocket change, which is shared, since December 15, between two organizations – the Children’s Wish Foundation, a longstanding Air Transat partner, and now SOS Children’s Villages. This fundraising operation aboard all flights is called “Small Change, Big Hearts” and the flight crews’ generous commitment to children has always been key to its success. “Today’s announcement marks an incredible milestone in SOS Children’s Villages history, and we are thrilled by our new relationship with Transat”, said Boyd McBride, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Canada. “Transat shares our dedication to helping build futures for the world’s orphaned and abandoned children. We look forward to working with Transat to continue to provide children in need with homes, education and healthcare.”