Air Canada Flies Canadian Artists to 'Canada for Asia' Benefit

Air Canada said today that in addition to relief assistance already offered following the Southeast Asian tsunami disaster, it is providing free air transportation to Toronto for all of the entertainment celebrities participating on location in Canada for Asia, a live national broadcast event on CBC Television and CBC Radio One to benefit tsunami-stricken Asia.

A few of the 35 stars that will be flying on the wings of Air Canada will be Bryan Adams, Jann Arden, Neil Peart of Rush, David Usher and all three of the Trailer Park Boys (Julian, Ricky and Bubbles). Canada for Asia will air live from the Canadian Broadcasting Centre in Toronto, Thursday, January 13, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on CBC Television and CBC Radio One, and will feature an all-star Canadian entertainment lineup including Tom Cochrane, Blue Rodeo, Anne Murray, Rush, Molly Johnson, Oscar Peterson, the Barenaked Ladies, Bruce Cockburn, and, in a special segment direct from Las Vegas, Céline Dion.

Air Canada has already collaborated with World Vision in support of relief and reconstruction efforts in countries devastated by the tsunamis by sending two dedicated relief flights to Indonesia carrying more than 280,000 lbs supplies from World Vision and the carrier's caterer, CARA Foods.

In addition, the airline is working with the Canadian Red Cross to collect donations from passengers on board its flights until the end of January.

"Every effort counts and we at Air Canada and every other company of the ACE family are proud to be doing our part in the international relief effort to help rebuild some of those shattered lives in Asia and Africa," said Robert Milton, Chairman, President and CEO of ACE Aviation Holdings. "This benefit event is a great opportunity for Canadians to show their support and generosity, in solidarity with charities and with the broadcast and entertainment industry."

"World Vision's efforts to provide relief and long-term rebuilding for the tsunami victims will require years of commitment and millions of dollars," said Dave Toycen, President of World Vision Canada. "One of the most important ways we can get the help to those who need it most is to develop strong partnerships with organizations like Air Canada. Over the past weeks, we have worked together to get the critical, initial aid out to the victims. The Air Canada team's quick and generous response to this relief effort has been truly impressive."

Proceeds collected though the broadcast will go to World Vision, The Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam Canada, Care Canada, Save the Children Canada, Development and Peace and Oxfam Quebec.

See other recent news regarding: Air Canada, Tsunami