Assignment 3

WestJet is very commited with  the community through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. They’re especially known for their “WestJet Cares for Kids program, WestJet Live Different Builds, and their environmental sustainability initiatives.” 

1. Communications Plan

WestJet’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is all about supporting communities. They’ve got WestJet Cares for Kids, which helps families in need by giving them flights. They’re also working hard to make the aviation industry more environmentally friendly. They’ve teamed up with charities like Make-A-Wish Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Hope Air to help families get the medical care and the support they need. And they’re investing in fuel efficient aircraft and exploring sustainable aviation fuel options to reduce their carbon footprint.

The primary target audiences for this campaign include WestJet customers and potential travellers who value corporate responsibility, non-profit organizations and communities that benefit from these programs, and media outlets and influencers covering CSR efforts in the airline industry. WestJet aims to raise awareness of its impact and encourage more people to support its initiatives.

To effectively communicate the campaign, WestJet will use multiple channels and tactics, including a press release distributed to major news outlets, a blog post published on the company’s website, and a social media campaign featuring personal stories from the customers. There will also be an email newsletter will be sent to WestJet Rewards members, informing them about the company’s ongoing community and sustainability initiatives.

The success of the campaign will be evaluated through several key performance indicators. WestJet will track social media engagement metrics, such as likes, shares, and comments, to measure the interest that the people have. Another KIP will be the customer feedback surveys and sentiment analysis will help to understand how people feel about the initiative. Lastly, website traffic and blog post interactions will be analyzed to determine how effectively the campaign drives engagement.

2. Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WestJet Expands CSR Efforts with New Sustainability and Community Initiatives

Vancouver, BC – March 16 – WestJet Airlines is taking its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to new heights with an expansion of its WestJet Cares for Kids program and a renewed focus on sustainability. As part of its commitment WestJet will partnerships with Canadian charities and investing in environmentally responsible aviation practices.

Supporting Families Through WestJet Cares for Kids

WestJet has long been dedicated to supporting children and families in need through its WestJet Cares for Kids program. By partnering with organizations such as Make-A-Wish Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Hope Air, WestJet provides free flights to families facing medical challenges, ensuring they have access to essential care and support services.

Each year, families across Canada cannot be able to reach medical treatment due to different struggles. WestJet’s program helps these families by covering travel costs. Through its ongoing partnerships, WestJet has donated over 100,000 flights to families in need, reinforcing its commitment to community well-being.

“At WestJet, we believe that air travel should be more than just transportation, it should be a means of connecting people to the support and care they need,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech. “Our CSR initiatives allow us to make a real impact in the lives of Canadian families, and we are committed to expanding our efforts to reach even more communities in need.”

Leading the Way in Sustainable Aviation

In addition to its community initiatives, WestJet is also stepping up its sustainability efforts to help combat climate change and reduce the environmental impact of air travel. The airline is investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and optimizing flight routes to minimize carbon emissions.

Encouraging Community Engagement and Awareness

The airline is launching a new awareness campaign to encourage WestJet Rewards members and frequent travellers to support its sustainability initiatives. Customers will have the opportunity to donate WestJet Dollars to charity partners, participate in volunteer travel experiences, and stay informed about the airline’s efforts through regular updates on social media and the WestJet website.

Call to Action

WestJet asks to the travellers, business partners, and community members to join its mission to make air travel more sustainable and accessible for those in need. To learn more about WestJet’s CSR initiatives, donate to partner charities, or explore ways to support sustainability efforts, visit [westjet.com/CSR].

Media Contact:

Soledad Alexis Ulloa
velascoulloa.su@gmail.com (778) 872-9148

3. Blog Post

Flying with Purpose: How WestJet is Giving Back to Communities and the Planet

More Than Just an Airline

At WestJet, we believe that air travel is about connecting people, bringing communities together, and making a positive impact wherever we fly. That’s why we’re committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) because we know that businesses have a responsibility to give back.

Through our WestJet Cares for Kids program, disaster relief efforts, and sustainability initiatives, we’re working every day to make a difference. Whether it’s flying a sick child to critical medical care, helping families stay together in times of crisis, or investing in eco-friendly aviation technology, we’re dedicated to making travel a force for good.

So, what exactly is WestJet doing to create lasting change? Let’s take a closer look at our CSR initiatives and how they’re shaping the future of travel.

WestJet Cares for Kids

Every year, thousands of Canadian families face the heartbreaking reality that medical treatment isn’t always available close to home. That’s where WestJet Cares for Kids comes in.

Through this program, we’ve partnered with organizations like Make-A-Wish Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Hope Air to provide free flights to children and families who need to travel for medical care. Since its inception, this initiative has helped thousands of families access life-saving treatments while easing the financial burden of travel.

Imagine being a parent whose child needs specialized care at a hospital hundreds of kilometres away. The stress of medical challenges is already overwhelming, worrying about travel costs shouldn’t add to that burden. Thanks to WestJet Cares for Kids, families can focus on what truly matters: supporting their loved ones through their medical journey.

One of the most rewarding parts of this program is hearing stories from the families we’ve helped. Like Emma, a seven-year-old from British Columbia, who was diagnosed with a rare heart condition. Her family needed to travel to Toronto for a life-saving procedure, but the costs of airfare, accommodations, and medical expenses were daunting. Through our partnership with Hope Air, we provided flights for Emma and her parents, ensuring she received the care she needed. Today, Emma is doing well, and her family is grateful for the support that made it all possible.

Leading the Way in Sustainable Aviation

While helping families is a big part of our CSR efforts, we’re also dedicated to protecting the planet. The airline industry has a significant environmental impact, and we take our responsibility seriously. That’s why WestJet is investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon offset programs to reduce our carbon footprint.

Our goal is simple: cut our emissions by 50% by 2050, in line with global sustainability efforts. We’re working towards this goal by:

  • Using more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX, which burns 20% less fuel than previous models.
  • Exploring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is made from renewable resources and produces significantly lower emissions.
  • Optimizing flight paths and operations to minimize fuel consumption.
  • Offering carbon offset options so that travellers can contribute to environmental efforts when they book their flights.

The future of travel needs to be greener and more responsible, and we’re committed to leading that change.

Disaster Relief and Emergency Support

WestJet is always ready to step up when communities are in crisis. Whether it’s natural disasters, humanitarian emergencies, or global health crises, we use our resources to provide critical assistance.

During the devastating wildfires in British Columbia, we worked with local organizations to provide emergency flights, transport essential supplies, and assist displaced families. In times of disaster, we know that air travel plays a crucial role in getting help where it’s needed most.

Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, WestJet helped transport healthcare workers, deliver medical supplies, and support essential travel needs. We believe that in moments of crisis, businesses should act with compassion and responsibility.

How You Can Get Involved

WestJet’s CSR initiatives wouldn’t be possible without the support of our passengers, partners, and employees. If you’re passionate about making a difference, here are a few ways you can get involved:

Donate WestJet Dollars to one of our charity partners and help fund flights for families in need.

Choose direct flights when possible this helps reduce emissions by cutting down on unnecessary fuel consumption.

Spread the word by sharing our CSR initiatives on social media and encouraging others to support sustainable travel.

Together, we can make travel more responsible, sustainable, and impactful for future generations.

Assignment 2

Press Release 

For Immediate Release 

March 01, 2025

The Omega Relaunch with a fresh perspective for students for TRU 

Kamloops, BC – The Omega newspaper is preparing to relaunch with a event on April 10, 2025. The Thompson Rivers University’s official student newspaper will start a new way of working. The event will take place at The Den located in 1055 University Dr, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, from 4:00 pm to 6 pm. The event will be featuring speeches from the manager Sean Brady and the editor-in-chief Robert McAlaster, there will also be live music, interactive booths and food. 

The relaunch is to begin a newer vision for The Omega, shifting from its traditional news focus towards a more dynamic, student centred publications. The Omega will start focusing on younger and student audience redesigning its format to engage TRU students through relevant news, research-based, reporting, and an active social media presence. 

“ The Omega is a legacy and I want it to be something that you can point in the future and be proud of it. The Omega ties to represent what TRU really is,” said Robert McAlaster.

The newspaper, which prints 500-1,000 copies per month, will introduce new categories and visually engaging covers that reflect its stories. Future issues will balance hard news, sports, arts, and student interests to create an accessible and compelling publication.

After the relaunch, The Omega will hold weekly pitch meetings at 5:00 PM in OM 2622, allowing students to contribute ideas and engage with the editorial team. The new office space, located in OM 2768, will serve as the place where all the news will be written, edited, and revised.

The Omega invites all TRU students and faculty to attend and celebrate this milestone. For more information, visit theomega.news.

Contact:
editor@theomega.news
236-597-1592
The Omega, Thompson Rivers University
Website: theomega.news

Distribution Plan

In order to reach more audience and impact in the press release, It will be distributed across different platforms and channels, targeting media outlets, student communities and stakeholders. 

Distribution Strategy:

  • Local Media Outlets: The press release will be submitted to Kamloops newspapers, radio stations to make sure that we have a city-wide coverage and people interested be aware of the relaunch. This includes, digital, broadcast media and print. 
  • TRU Platforms: The press release will be posted in TRU website, in the campus newsletter, and in bulletin boards across the campus. Also it will be ensure that the professor give the news I each class that they have during one day. 
  • Social Media and email campaign: The TRU mails provided to students, faculty, and staff will be use to create a targeted email campaign. The Omega’s social media accounts will be use to promote the event through posts. 
  • Community and Student Communities: The event will be promoted with collaboration with TRU student clubs, societies and the Student Union.

Distribution List:   

  1. Kamloops This Week: Local newspaper
  2. CFBX 92.5 FM (TRU Radio Station): University radio
  3. TRU Student Union Communications: Student engagement
  4. TRU’s Official Website Content Team: University-wide visibility
  5. Kamloops Daily News: City-wide coverage
  6. TRU Faculty of Journalism: Academic promotion
  7. TRU Alumni Association: Extended TRU community
  8. CBC Kamloops: Regional news coverage
  9. CFJC Today Kamloops: Local TV news station
  10. TRU Student Union Newsletter: Reaching student representatives
  11. The Omega Instagram: Digital reach
  12. The Omega Facebook Page: Student engagement
  13. TRU Clubs & Societies Email List: Expanding student involvement
  14. TRU Faculty Email List: Encouraging academic participation
  15. TRU Residence Services: Engaging students in residence

Exercises Go Here

This section is dedicated to exercises and practice tasks I will completing during this course. These exercises will help to my skills in public relations, such as:

Writing press releases

Creating media kits

Planning media events

Coaching spokespersons

Alexis Ulloa

Hi! My name is Alexis and I’m 22 years old. I’m an undergraduate student studying public relations at Thompson Rivers University. I like helping people and connect with them. Through the years I have learnt that I like to motivate people and build strong relationships. Those are the reasons I decided to pursue PR to convect and impact other people lives

Collaboration is one of my strongest qualities. I like to work in groups where I can share ideas and learn from others. I like to contribute as much as I can. I believe that the best ideas come from combining different perspectives.