WINNIPEG, Canada, 2015-12-22 — /Travel PR News/ — Today (December 16, 2015), Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. (WAA), together with with St. John Ambulance Manitoba launched the Therapy Dog Program at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
“Partnering with St. John Ambulance on the Therapy Dog Program will provide a relaxed and friendly environment for airport customers and visitors alike,” said Lisa Patterson, Manager of Customer Experience at Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Our aim is to create an excellent airport experience for everyone who visits our facility.”
“St. John Ambulance is proud to have our Therapy Dogs in different venues throughout Winnipeg as we believe these teams meet a very unique and specialized need,” said Brent Fowler, Vice President Training & Community Services, St. John Ambulance NWT, Manitoba & NU. “To bring the Therapy Dog Program to the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport allows us to provide service to one more segment of our community.”
Beginning Friday, December 18, passengers and visitors at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport will benefit from the warmth, caring and affection from the friendly dogs and handlers who will be volunteering at the airport. Therapy dogs provide stress relief and help create a relaxed environment.
St. John Ambulance and the Therapy Dog Program have been working with a variety of Airport Authorities across Canada including Halifax, Regina, Saskatoon, Thunder Bay and now Winnipeg, easing nervous or anxious travellers.
About St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program
The St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program is a community based service offered by St. John Ambulance Volunteers. The program started in June 1992 as a pilot program in Peterborough, Ontario and today reaches thousands of people on a regular basis throughout Canada. Manitoba launched its program in 1997.
Much of the success of the program is directly attributed to the renowned reputation of St. John Ambulance as a charity. St. John Ambulance has been involved in community service for over 900 years, and Manitoba celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011.
St. John Ambulance Therapy Dogs have become a familiar sight in hospitals, retirement residences, long-term and short-term care facilities. Ronald McDonald House and Stoney Mountain Penitentiary are both recent recipients to the program. St. John Ambulance has developed a partnership with the Winnipeg Humane Society and the See Spot Read program which has been an ongoing success for many years. These four-legged volunteers are accepted in most places where a little care and love is greatly appreciated.
About Winnipeg Airports Authority
Named one of Canada’s 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Winnipeg Airports Authority is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, a full-service airport providing passengers and cargo clients access to markets across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the world.
Located at the geographic centre of North America, with round-the-clock operations, Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is the number one dedicated freighter airport in Canada as measured by the number of flights. The airport generates over $3.6 billion in total economic output and welcomes over 3.67 million passengers annually.
For more information:
Breanne Talbot
Manager, Communications & Public Affairs
Winnipeg Airports Authority
204.992.2791
btalbot@waa.ca
Teresa Toutant
Director of Community Services
St. John Ambulance Saint-Jean
204.784.7016
Teresa.Toutant@mb.sja.ca