Ethiopian Airlines Canada has announced a partnership with Toronto’s The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) that is a “partnership to assist the hospital dedicated to improving the health of children and providing the best in family-centred, compassionate care.”

Ethiopian Airlines Canada will donate 12 round-trip flights to support the International Patient Office and the Herbie Fund, which helps children from around the world receive surgical care and treatment at SickKids in Toronto. The flight donation will be used to bring children and their families seeking medical attention through the Herbie Fund and International Patient Office to SickKids, a global leader in children’s health, research and care, and one of the top children’s hospitals in the world.

In addition, 12 round-trip flights have also been reserved for hospital staff, including Dr. Michael Apkon, president of the hospital, to travel abroad to varied projects with The Centre for Global Child Health at SickKids. Flights will take place from Toronto to Africa and to other destinations Ethiopian Airlines Canada flies.

“The health and well-being of children and youth are at the core of Ethiopian Airlines Canada’s mission. We invest in supporting and helping children,” said Birhan Abate, Ethiopian Airlines Canada country manager. “It is more than just donating flights, it’s the possibility of improving the quality of life, saving a life and bringing hope. It impacts all of us. We are proud to be part of this.”

The Herbie Fund makes surgeries possible thanks to the support of the community and the dedication of clinicians in a range of medical divisions at SickKids. Every year, the Herbie Fund enables approximately 30 children from around the world to receive life-saving medical care at SickKids. Since it was established in 1979, more than 777 children from 106 countries have received specialized medical and surgical assistance through the fund.

Pictured are David Timmins, sales manager, Ethiopian Airlines Canada, Birhan Abate, Ethiopian Airlines country manager, Paula Menzes, director, sponsorship and cause marketing, SickKids Foundation, and Sheryl Yip, manager, sponsorship and cause marketing, SickKids Foundation.