Gala fundraiser supports The Herbie Fund at SickKids and the Air Canada Foundation

• April 6 Wanderluxe gala and auction of bespoke travel experiences in support of The Herbie Fund at SickKids and the Air Canada Foundation
• Exclusive Canadian appearance of performers from JOYÀ, Cirque du Soleil's Mayan Riviera spectacular
• Pre-gala online auction now open for deluxe prizes such Caribbean vacations, Italian villa stays and other packages

TORONTO, March 27, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada, in collaboration with TD Bank Group, will present a magical evening featuring fine wine and food, a live auction of bespoke travel experiences and a Cirque de Soleil JOYÀ special performance at the second annual Wanderluxe on April 6, 2017. Proceeds from the evening support the Herbie Fund at SickKids and the Air Canada Foundation's mission to support the health and wellness of children and youth, including pediatric hospitals.

"As a global airline, Air Canada proudly carries people around the world for business and pleasure. Wanderluxe allows us to use these capabilities for a special purpose – enriching the lives of children in our local communities and other countries by helping deliver the support and care they need to thrive," said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines at Air Canada. "But we cannot do this alone, so we invite those with a love of travel and fine food to join us and support our efforts, as so many did generously at the Wanderluxe inaugural gala."

SickKids believes where you live shouldn't determine if you live. "The Herbie Fund brings children from around the world to our hospital for life-saving or life-altering surgeries that are otherwise not available in their home countries," said Ted Garrard, CEO, SickKids Foundation. "I cannot overstate the generosity of our attendees and sponsors at the second annual Wanderluxe who help us expand this important program."

Wanderluxe supports two important charities. The Air Canada Foundation's mission is to help connect sick children to the medical care they need, alleviate child poverty, and make the wishes of ill kids come true. The Herbie Fund extends SickKids' fight to make every kid a healthy kid, bringing children from across the globe to the hospital for life-changing and life-altering surgeries.

Wanderluxe Evening Itinerary

Guests will enjoy an elegant evening that begins with a sparkling cocktail hour, featuring Drappier, Air Canada's onboard champagne for International Business Class customers. It will be followed by a sumptuous meal prepared by celebrated Canadian chef and Air Canada partner, David Hawksworth. Guests will then have a unique opportunity to enjoy the artistry of performers from JOYÀ, Cirque du Soleil's resident show at the Vidanta Riviera Maya, Mexico, who are making an exclusive Canadian appearance for the event.

Another highlight of the evening will be a live auction for bespoke travel experiences such as a seven-day South American tour to Buenos Aires and Santiago. The all-inclusive package provides Air Canada International Business Class travel for two with a four-night stay in Buenos Aires at the world-famous Faena hotel, with VIP seating at the award-winning show, Rojo Tango, and two-nights' luxury accommodation in Santiago with a private wine tour. 

For those eager to partake of Wanderluxe early, advance bidding on select auction prizes is now open through April 5, 2017at www.wanderluxe.ca. Among the online offerings are deluxe Caribbean and beach vacation packages, premium cruises or an exclusive luxury villa stay in Italy.

Wanderluxe Details

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada's largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents.  Canada's flag carrier is among the 20 largest airlines in the world and in 2016 served close to 45 million customers.  Air Canada provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 airports in Canada, 57 in the United States and 91 in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America. Air Canada is a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's most comprehensive air transportation network serving 1,300 airports in 190 countries.  Air Canada is the only international network carrier in North America to receive a Four-Star ranking according to independent U.K. research firm Skytrax.  For more information, please visit: www.aircanada.com, follow @AirCanada on Twitter and join Air Canada on Facebook.

About The Hospital for Sick Children

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is recognized as one of the world's foremost paediatric health-care institutions and is Canada's leading centre dedicated to advancing children's health through the integration of patient care, research and education. Founded in 1875 and affiliated with the University of Toronto, SickKids is one of Canada's most research-intensive hospitals and has generated discoveries that have helped children globally.  Its mission is to provide the best in complex and specialized child and family-centred care; pioneer scientific and clinical advancements; share expertise; foster an academic environment that nurtures health-care professionals; and champion an accessible, comprehensive and sustainable child health system. SickKids is proud of its vision for Healthier Children. A Better World. For more information, please visit www.sickkids.ca. Follow us on Twitter (@SickKidsNews) and Instagram (@SickKidsToronto).

SOURCE Air Canada