Supporting our community
We embrace our role as an active partner in community development. We support several community organizations and initiatives to make an impact in our city and region.
#NotInMyCity
Combatting human trafficking
The Calgary Airport Authority has been an Airport Pioneer partner of #NotInMyCity since 2018, raising more than $63,000 at our YYC Partner Golf Classic to support their efforts to combat human trafficking in Canada. We also display informational posters at arrivals and in the baggage claim area and have put yellow rose images in YYC Calgary International Airport washrooms. The yellow rose is a symbol of our solidarity with those impacted by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Additionally, staff training has been provided to recognize the signs of human trafficking which has increased awareness and helped law enforcement respond to several suspected human trafficking incidents at YYC in recent years.
Elevate Aviation
More inclusive aviation
In 2021, we renewed our multi-year partnership with Elevate Aviation in mutual commitment to making the aviation sector more inclusive and providing equal access to careers for women and BIPOC communities. The Calgary Airport Authority directly supports the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre and provides spaces for job training.
The Mustard Seed
Helping those in need
The Calgary Airport Authority’s partnership with The Mustard Seed began in 2001, and since then YYC Crew members have volunteered to serve dinner to Calgarians experiencing homelessness and poverty. Both the Authority and YYC Crew have collectively donated thousands of dollars to The Mustard Seed to help feed those in need.
Every Child Matters
Moving towards reconciliation
The Calgary Airport Authority has welcomed Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders to have candid conversations with YYC Crew members about the painful history and legacy of the residential school system, how it impacts Indigenous communities today and how we can all approach reconciliation in a good way. Our Crew also wears orange shirts from the Orange Shirt Society to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day to show support for Indigenous communities.
Indigenous Tourism
Celebrating excellence
To support a stronger Indigenous tourism economy and its business leaders, the Calgary Airport Authority sponsored the Indigenous Tourism Alberta 2022 Gathering conference and was the sole sponsor of the Celebrating Indigenous Tourism Excellency Awards. We believe it is important to celebrate and honour Indigenous tourism business owners and operators who are making a positive impact in Alberta.
Pride
Updating Pride at YYC
As part of the 2022 Calgary Pride celebration, the Pride crosswalk at YYC Calgary International Airport was updated to use the Progress Pride Flag. This better reflects the scope of the Pride movement and all those included within it.
Calgary Newcomers Collaborative
A better welcome for newcomers
In 2022, a new Immigrant Arrival Centre was established at YYC Calgary International Airport in partnership with the Calgary Newcomers Collaborative (powered by Gateway). The need for this came from the influx of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Calgary, in addition to other immigrants and refugees from around the world. At this Centre, newcomers can access supports directly, ask questions and seek the services they need to begin their new lives in our community.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Bringing Holiday Smiles
For eight years and counting, our friends at U.S. Customs and Border Protection have run an annual toy drive to provide hundreds of new toys to low-income families during the holidays. The YYC Crew has supported this drive for many years, donating new toys that will bring smiles to many young faces.