Spreading holiday cheer: Calgary & Edmonton-based suppliers carol for a cause

Suppliers from the Calgary and Edmonton areas spread some Christmas carolling last week as they visited local travel agencies, bringing festive spirit and collecting donations to support those in need.

For more than 15 years, Calgary-based travel suppliers have spread the holiday spirit with travel advisors, and this year’s holiday crawl was especially meaningful, as the group expanded its tradition to include giving back to those in need.

Joining the fun this year were Stephanie Roles of Aurora Expeditions, Cindy Woloshyn of Cunard, Brad Gibson of Collette, Cassandra Harrison of Exodus, Sharon Wilson of Exoticca, Leslie Schaff of Globus family of brands, Ana Santa Maria of G Adventures, Vicky Lubyk of Ponant, Kelsey Harper of Ratehawk, Emily Spadafora of Sandos, and Jordan Harris and Jodine Clement of The Travel Corporation.

The celebration on Friday (Dec. 19) featured a festive poem and a cheerful rendition of Jingle Bells, bringing smiles and holiday spirit to all in attendance.

Building on the joy of the season, the group then rolled up their sleeves to volunteer with The Mustard Seed, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to caring for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Through essential services such as food support, shelter, housing programs, employment assistance, and health and wellness resources, the Calgary-based organization works to restore hope and dignity while building stronger communities.

In addition to volunteering their time, travel advisors from Expedia generously donated items to support The Mustard Seed’s programs.

Advisors from Travel Time and Transat also contributed monetary donations, helping further this important cause.

“It truly is a wonderful time of year,” said organizer Jodine Clement, director of sales at TTC “Sharing joy with our travel advisors, spending time with our supplier family, and giving back to the community made this year’s celebration especially meaningful. Giving back was an extra touch that reminded us all of the true spirit of the season.”

Sleigh ride in Edmonton

Meanwhile, a similar holiday activation unfolded in Edmonton that same week on Monday (Dec. 15).

Suppliers in the province spent their afternoon dashing around on a decked-out "sleigh," visiting local travel partners while collecting food donations for the Edmonton Food Bank.

“A big thank you to our travel partners who generously contributed food and cash to this cause,” said Judy Bunkall of Manulife, adding that along with several pounds of food, the team also raised $740 in cash contributions.

Joining Bunkall on the sleigh were Jeff Carpenter and Donna Engler of TravelBrands, Suzanne Morgan of Air Canada Vacations, Heather Gerrard of Sunwing Vacations, Jason Gignac of Iberostar, Brad Gibson of Collette Vacations and Ana Santa Maria of G Adventures.

Congrats to all!

Sing-along

Here's Calgary's rendition of Jingle Bells and their holiday poem: 

Jingle Bells

Verse 1: Dashing through the calls, Emails night and day, Advisors save the trips, When pla-ans go astray—HEY! Suppliers on your side, Ready when you call, Together we make travel dreams, The be-est gift of all!

Chorus (All!) Oh jingle deals, jingle deals, Trips are on the way! Suppliers here, Advisors strong, We book it all—HOORAY! HEY Jingle deals, jingle deals, Partnerships that sell, Working late, booking great, Hear those jingle bells!

Verse 2 (short & warm): When weather cause delays, And “just one thing” appears, We’ve got your back, we’ll fix the plan, Through all those travel fears!

Final Chorus (Big Finish): Oh jingle deals, jingle deals, Raise your voice and say, Here’s to our Advisors, Booking j-oy all the way!

Oh jingle deals, jingle deals, Trips are on the way! Suppliers here, Advisors strong, We book it all—HOORAY!

Very Travel-Merry Christmas

’Twas the season of travel, of maps and of cheer, Of clients with questions like, “Is that far from here?” With passports and packing and “What seat is best?” You handled it all—yes, even that request!

From icy expeditions to beaches so bright, From cruises that sparkle to tours day and night. From cities to safaris, from near to afar, You make travel dreams go exactly that far.

When flights go a-wobbly or plans need a tweak, You’re calm, cool, collected—solutions on peak. While we handle the journeys by land, sea, and air, It’s you who connects them with talent and care.

So here’s to the agents who never say “no,” Who turn “maybe someday” to “ready—let’s go!” Who juggle it all with a smile and a plan, And somehow make magic from “Yes, we can.”

This Christmas we thank you, our partners, our crew, For trusting us always—and selling us too May your holidays sparkle, your bookings take flight, And your New Year be busy (but busy feels right!).

So from all of your suppliers, together we say: Merry Christmas, Happy New Year— Now… let’s send your clients away?

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