TravelBrands, redtag.ca host SickKids walk, setting the stage for record-breaking year

The weather held out Tuesday (Aug 19) for H.I.S. Canada Travel's redtag.ca and TravelBrands' 10th annual SickKids Foundation walk in Toronto, as around 25 staff members took to the roads around the company's office neighbourhood before celebrating with good eats from a food truck back at the office. 

"This is our 10th anniversary, and we've hit the ground running," said Nathalie Tanious, president & CEO of H.I.S. Canada Travel Inc., parent company of TravelBrands, speaking to PAX, which joined the walk. 

While Tanious typically joins the walk each year in person, travel disruptions brought on by the Air Canada strike prevented her attendance in Toronto this time. Though her commitment to the cause remains close at heart.

"This year, we have a corporate match, versus a corporate sponsor - so, they’re matching dollar for dollar,” said Tanious.

That partner is The FDC Foundation, doubling the value of every fundraising effort.

Setting up for a record-breaking year

The company has already made significant progress toward its ambitious fundraising goals, shared Jennifer Matthews, director of strategic projects, who coordinated this year's walk, where staff were encouraged to register or support a colleague.

"We've raised $10,460 in the walk portion of our fundraising goal, and because of the corporate match, it equals twice as much,” said Matthews.

According to Matthews, when combined with their other initiatives including the 1% Sales Day and TravelBrands' upcoming Charity Golf Classic on September 4 at Eagles Nest Golf Course, "it really helps us get to our goal of $300,000 this year, which would mean a donation of $600,000" for SickKids Hospital."

Tanious emphasized that the company's commitment extends beyond SickKids.

"In addition to SickKids, we're also active with Food Banks Canada. So, we've been doing that since COVID," she noted.

Another planned initiative is taking place during the Fall in Montreal with Dans la rue collecting blankets, socks, and warm clothing to support homeless teens.

As for the annual walk, the tour operator says it isn’t just about fundraising – it provides a valuable opportunity for team connection.

"It's an opportunity to see everyone for sure, and get to connect with our colleagues, our friends," Matthews explained. "So, it's a great opportunity for us to see each other, especially over the summertime, when the traditional office hours aren't in play and most of us are working from home."

A similar walk is scheduled for Thursday, August 21 in Montreal, with about 15 staff members participating, continuing the tour operator's decade-long tradition of community giving.

To donate for this cause, visit here.

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