New initiative includes website and colouring book to help travellers de-stress prior to travel
Today, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) introduced the Fly Calm initiative in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division (CMHA BC). Coinciding with World Mental Health Day, the launch includes a host of new resources, including an interactive website with a number of videos as well as an on-the-go colouring book to help travellers de-stress before a flight.
“We understand that travelling can be stressful and we are proud to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association to create these important resources. Both the website and colouring book provide helpful tips on how travellers can take charge of their stress,” said Jenny Duncan, Director, Marketing and Communications, Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR, we look at all aspects of the airport travel experience from how we design the terminal to our customer care services. We want everyone to be able to fly comfortably through YVR and the Fly Calm initiative complements our existing customer care offering.”
“We were intrigued when YVR came to us wanting to help ease traveller stress. Although much of the travel experience is out of one’s control, there are still things you can do to manage your stress,” added Bev Gutray, CEO, CMHA BC.
YVR has been working with the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division since April 2017, including the organization’s national Ride Don’t Hide fundraiser to raise awareness and combat stigma associated with mental illness. Earlier this year, YVR employees along with other riders from across Canada helped raise more than $1.8 million for the Canadian Mental Health Association’s community-based programs and services.
Partnerships such as this are part of YVR’s commitment to bring social benefits to the communities the airport serves. In 2017, YVR donated over $1 million to more than 50 organizations that created innovative programs in their communities. YVR’s community investment program has three key areas of focus: Accessibility, Community and Environment.
The colouring books and pencil crayons are now available at all pre-security Customer Information Counters at YVR or for download at flycalm.ca.
About Vancouver Airport Authority
Vancouver Airport Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that manages Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Canada’s second busiest airport, YVR served 24.2 million passengers in 2017. Fifty-six airlines serve YVR, connecting people and businesses to more than 127 non-stop destinations worldwide. In 2016, YVR received CAPA Centre for Aviation’s prestigious Airport of the Year Award and was voted Best Airport in North America for the ninth consecutive year in the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2018. Vancouver Airport Authority is a dedicated community partner and in 2017 donated more than $1,000,000 to local organizations. We are committed to creating an airport that British Columbia can be proud of: a premier global gateway, local economic generator and community contributor.
About CMHA in BC
Founded in 1918, The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA helps people access the community resources they need to build resilience and support recovery from mental illness. Together with our family of 14 CMHA branches in BC, CMHA helps over 100,000 people across 100 BC communities each year. To learn more, visit www.staging.cmha-bc.flywheelsites.com.
CONTACT
YVR Media Relations
media_relations@yvr.ca
604-880-9815
@yvrairport
CMHA Media Relations
Lorna.Allen@cmha.bc.ca
604-688-3234
@CMHABC