Over 130 Aeroplan Employees Spend a Night on the Streets in Support of Homeless Youth

$66,000 raised for Dans la rue

MONTREAL, Oct. 13, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - On Wednesday, October 12th, 2011, more than 300 Aeroplan employees from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver joined together to raise awareness of the conditions in which homeless youth live while also raising money to help them. Over a period of two days, employees participated in activities geared around supporting kids on the street, including sandwich making for the homeless, street fund raising for Dans la rue, insights and learnings from a homeless veteran and a sleep-out in a parking lot in downtown Montreal.

Aeroplan employees raised more than $33,000 and Aeroplan has increased its match to $33,000 for a total of $66,000 in support of Dans la rue (www.danslarue.com), an organization dedicated to supporting homeless youth in Montreal.

"Supporting our local communities is a big part of our culture at Aeroplan and a key objective," said Kevin O'Brien, Chief Commerical Officer, Aeroplan.  "This experience gave our employees an opportunity to assist homeless youth and the money raised by our employees will go a long way in supporting key services at Dans la rue and help to build a stronger community."

"Dans la rue is pleased to be partnering with Aeroplan and its employees during their Aeroplan Days event," said Aki Tchitacov, Executive Director of Dans la rue. "It is important to realize that one person CAN make a difference. Each and every employee's action will have a considerable impact not only on the lives of our youth, but on every person they encounter on the streets during these 2 days. They will bring about positive change."

For more information on this event please visit: www.aeroplangivesback.com.