Airport Sponsorships Support Families, Community

14 February 2017

  • What comes to mind when you think of Nanaimo Airport?

    Travel is an obvious choice, since the airport is the Central Island’s gateway to the world. But something else is also a big part of its identity: family.

    Nanaimo Airport is an important part of the large family of communities that make up this region. It serves the travel needs of the thousands of local families who live and work here. And it’s a big supporter of family-oriented activities that showcase the area’s community spirit.

    Every year the Nanaimo Airport Commission partners with volunteer groups on projects that touch many aspects of Central Island life, from health care to youth. The common link in all the work? The benefit to residents and their families.

    Here are some examples:

    • Ladysmith Festival of Lights
      In 2015 the airport commission started a five-year sponsorship with Vancouver Island’s premier winter festival for families. As a result, the festival’s showpiece — the Chuck Perrin Memorial Tree — now sparkles with brand new LED lights.
    • Nanaimo & District Foundation Ride for Life 
      The airport commission hosts the annual cycling event that raises money for health care in the region. Proceeds from this year’s May 2017 ride will help purchase a new CT scanner for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Cyclists of all age and abilities participate, many of them as families.
    • North Oyster & Area Historical Society
      The airport commission supports the society’s work on the area’s community centre. For example, the society volunteers run barbecues at airport events in return for a donation. The historic centre hosts a variety of functions vital to local families, including wedding receptions, birthday parties, social gatherings and meetings
    • 205 Collishaw Royal Canadian Air Cadets
      The airport commission hosts the squadron’s annual review as well as its ongoing glider training. The squadron, for youth aged 12 to 18, is popular with families as it fosters citizenship, leadership and physical fitness while promoting interest in the Canadian Forces air branch.