WestJet spreads cheer in downtown Saskatoon

Wearing a blue Santa hat and carrying a box of coffee, Chad Michalenko offers donuts, movie tickets and winter gloves to strangers in downtown Saskatoon.

It’s part of WestJet’s 12,000 acts of random kindness in one day.

“WestJet eh? I just booked a flight with Sunwing,” one man said to the laughter of the WestJet employees.

Many people who received the gifts were surprised by the kindness. Michalenko said it’s about making people smile, even if just for that moment.

“It’s fun. I wasn’t expecting this out of nowhere,” said a man who received a coffee outside the Lighthouse Supported Living building.

The “mini miracles” campaign took place across the WestJet network, from London, England to Hawaii. Michalenko, who is the guest service manager with WestJet Saskatoon, said they want to show that there is goodness in the world.

“I think it’s really important that we can show them that we care and we’re going to give back in a little something. It may not be the biggest thing: a cup of coffee on a cold day or a even a toque or set of finger mitts just to keep warm,” he said.

As part of the campaign, a “blue Santa” also made his way across Canada, spreading Christmas cheer both on and off the plane.