Today, Vancouver International Airport / Aéroport international de Vancouver (YVR) introduced the Fly Calm initiative in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division. 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 Division.
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.