WestJet Surprises Wildfire Victims With The Ultimate Christmas 'Miracle

Canadian airline WestJet has been performing (and filming) an “annual Christmas miracle” for five years. This year’s version is just plane incredible.

Seven months after the costliest disaster in Canadian history devastated their community, residents of fire-ravaged Fort McMurray, Canada were invited to a special Christmas party thrown by the Calgary-based carrier. Nearly 1,000 residents, many of whom lost their homes in the tragic wildfire that ravaged more than 1,900 square miles last May, enjoyed crafts, music and dancing. But the party’s finale was their biggest surprise.

The residents were gathered outside when suddenly, tiny white parachutes floated down from above. Each contained a personalized family ornament along with a free plane ticket for every single person.

”As we talked to our friends in Fort McMurray, one of the common themes that emerged was that many residents felt forgotten and that the approaching Christmas season wasn’t going to be the same,” WestJet stated on its website. “They needed a boost over the holidays, so it was an easy decision for us to focus this year’s Christmas Miracle on a very deserving community.”

How great is that? According to Westjet, their holiday miracle videos have been viewed more than 54 million times since 2012. Previous highlights include the time the company surprised passengers with gifts at baggage claim in 2013 and gifted a Disney World vacation to a mourning family last year.

Their deeds are pleasant reminders that even when the world seems to be crumbling around us, we can use travel to make a positive difference.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good flight.