Holiday Good Cheer from WestJet Airlines

If more companies used the holidays as an excuse to give back and write it off as an advertising expense, the world would be a much better place. WestJet airlines designed a holiday campaign with the intent of getting the message out that holiday travel does not have to be a burden and, of course, in hopes of creating a viral video. The video they made detailing the events of their holiday giving campaign called ‘WestJet Christmas Miracle: real time giving’ has definitely gone viral, it has almost 8 million views since being posted 3 days ago.

The attention and goodwill the airline is receiving from the video is well worth the expense. Rather than spending that money on advertising, they are getting a great deal of social buzz, which a company really cannot buy.  The attention from the media is also pouring in, the assistant editor of MarketingMag.com.au  posted that it made her cry. If you have not seen it yet, definitely grab a box of tissues and turn up the volume. WestJet had a virtual Santa ask passengers what they wanted for Christmas before boarding their flight. The video details the WestJet elves dashing into action, buying and wrapping gifts for the passengers and sending them down the baggage claim carousel as the travelers stand waiting for their bags, instead they received some holiday magic.

What is the lesson here for businesses? It is a simple message for the holidays and all year. Giving back to the community and showing customers that the business cares is all the advertising you need. What can your company do? Giving does not have to be on such a large, grand scale because every little bit counts and means something to someone in need.