Thousands raised to help Canadian pilots furloughed

16 November 2021

Campaign Description

Even as our aviation industry shows strong signs of  recovery hundreds of our friends and colleagues have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many of them are still not back on the property as we quickly approach the holiday season.  Furthermore, all of our fellow furloughed colleagues received their final EI payment months ago.  We all want to provide some support for our fellow pilots – specifically those who have lost their primary family income and are facing real financial hardship.

The Furlough Support Fund is an opportunity for each of us to take action and help a fellow pilot in need. Organized by Pilots for Change, pilots can donate whatever amount they feel is appropriate in order to provide grants of $300 for furloughed pilots to help with their grocery bills, vehicle maintenance, holiday gifts – or just to help make ends meet.

Grants are on a first come, first served basis– so the more donations received, the more pilots can get a bit of extra help financially this holiday season. Grants will be directed exclusively to furloughed pilots on the Air Canada seniority list*.  While these donations may be a small drop in the bucket during what can be a very stressful and demanding time for pilots on layoff, it is a reminder that we have not forgotten about our fellow aviators, and we will continue to do what we can to help them through this very tough period.

If you are a pilot in need, or if you are aware of other Air Canada pilots in need- please visit pilotsforchange.ca to apply for the Furlough Support Fund under the “Support ” tab. All grant recipients will remain private, however for those that are willing we want to hear your stories, and with your permission, share them with those back on the line. There’s lots of ways to come together as Air Canada pilots to help each other through this crisis, and the Furlough Support Fund is just one of many small gestures.

Remember that the recovery is upon us, and there are better days for all of us ahead.  We can not wait to start sharing flight decks, crew buses and layover meals with you all once again.  

*Unclaimed or surplus funds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation of Canada.

Source: https://canadianaviationnews.wordpress.com/2021/11/16/thousands-raised-to-help-canadian-pilots-furloughed/