YYC’s White Hat Volunteer program celebrates 20-year milestone

June 08, 2011   |  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2011

Calgary, AB – Calgary International Airport (YYC) celebrated the 20-year anniversary of the White Hat Volunteer program today. Representatives of The Calgary Airport Authority, members of City Council and YYC airport partners joined together to celebrate this significant milestone and to thank the volunteers for their many years of service to the airport community.

The White Hat Volunteer program began in 1991 with 49 individuals, dressed in the now famous white Stetson and red vest. Over the last 20 years, this program has grown significantly, boasting over 240 volunteers who greet and offer a warm western welcome to the millions of passengers who travel through Calgary every year.

“YYC’s White Hat Volunteers are a testament of Calgary’s spirit of volunteerism and truly embody the meaning of western hospitality,” said Stephan Poirier, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for The Calgary Airport Authority. “Our volunteers are an important part of the passenger experience and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication in making YYC one of the best airports in the world.”

Since 1991, hundreds of White Hat Volunteers have served the airport community by greeting passengers, welcoming conferences and conventions, escorting dignitaries and VIP’s, and shuttling passengers needing assistance in the YYC Club Cars. Together these individuals have contributed over 700,000 volunteer hours and have performed more than 2,500 White Hat Welcome Ceremonies with over 8,000 participants. They help and personally interact with more than 1 million passengers per year.

“The service they provide is invaluable, and they continually go above and beyond to serve the travelling public. We look forward to seeing the program continue to grow over the next several years, with many more milestones in our future,” said Poirier.

The Calgary Airport Authority is a not-for-profit, non-share capital corporation incorporated under the Alberta Regional Airports Authorities Act. Since 1992, it has been responsible for the management, maintenance and development of Calgary International Airport and Springbank Airport under long-term lease from the Government of Canada.

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For more information, contact:

Jody Moseley
Director, Corporate Communications and Marketing
The Calgary Airport Authority
Office: (403) 735-2197
Blackberry: (403) 807-9143
 
Photos of this event can be seen on Calgary International Airport's Facebook page.Click here to view.