While the COVID-19 pandemic is the main topic of discussion related to health right now, do not worry, October is still dedicated to breast cancer awareness around the world! According to the World Health Organization, an average of 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths are due to this disease each year. In Canada, it is one of the most common cancers. For now, early detection remains the primary way to fight breast cancer, but researchers are continually discovering and evaluating new ways to prevent, detect and treat the disease, whether it is surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted treatments.
This October 2020, organizations, people, and businesses come together to fight breast cancer. Even the travel industry, which is particularly affected by COVID-19, continues to show solidarity! Here are some of the initiatives taken by companies in our industry.
Air Miles
The Air Miles loyalty program encourages its members to redeem their miles to order pink items. For each of these products ordered, the company donates $2 to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Allegiant Air
This American airline is organizing a fundraiser on board its flights this month. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of pink beverages, including pink lemonade and rosé wine, will be donated to the US National Breast Cancer Foundation. The crew will also be wearing pink accessories to show their support.
Avis
The Avis car rental company offers the Susan G. Komen discount which not only allows customers to save money, but also donates a certain percentage of revenues to the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization.
Delta
Since 2005, every October, Delta Airlines has organized an awareness campaign and a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Delta members have raised over $ 16 million since the start of this initiative. In addition to offering pink uniforms to its crew, offering SkyMiles to researchers to help them in their mission and selling pink products with 100% of the proceeds going to the organization, Delta also dedicated a pink plane to it by organizing “Breast Cancer One”, a flight for survivors to raise funds.
Marriott
In the United Arab Emirates, the hotel chain Marriott is raising funds for the Al Jalila Foundation’s “Brest Friends” program. Throughout the month, as part of the “#PINKtober” campaign, the hotels organize a variety of fundraising activities including brunches, pastry sales, raffles, fitness activities, etc.
Qatar Airways
In collaboration with the Qatar Cancer Society, the airline of the same country is launching the “Think Pink” campaign this year to highlight the importance of early detection of breast cancer to better control it. The month-long campaign includes webinars, a charity bazaar, free mammograms, and fundraising, among other things, with airline employees and passengers.
WestJet
In Canada, WestJet is the official airline partner of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, now merged with the Canadian Cancer Society. Since 2013, the airline has donated flights to this organization, supports fundraisers and participates in the CIBC Run for the Cure each year to raise funds for research. Significant donations have been raised by WestJet and its employees since the beginning of this partnership for this cause that is close to our hearts.
These initiatives are all very inspiring, and hopefully, you are asking yourself what you can do to help. Check with your employer to find out about your company’s corporate initiatives. You can also visit the Canadian Cancer Society website to learn more about how to get involved, whether it is by making a donation, organizing a virtual fundraiser or becoming a volunteer!
