WestJet has called an encore (do you want more?) and added a tropical twist to last year's 'Christmas Miracle' video, this time bringing their gift-giving virality south to the Dominican Republic.
The airliner, which in 2013 went viral with a video showing WestJet employees giving gifts to passengers on flights from Ontario to Calgary, this year travelled to Nuevo Renacer in the Caribbean and asked members of the community what they wanted for Christmas.
They brought a sleigh and a blue Santa.
And of course, those gifts arrived on the beach for each and every villager, with the help and hands of dream-weaving WestJet employees – a blender, a skateboard, a washing machine, a new engine, a doll, a crib, even a horse, and more.
Last year's 'Real-Time Giving' video has over 36 million views on YouTube. This year's, in only a couple days, already has more than 101,000 views on YouTube.
"The airline's history with and commitment to Nuevo Renacer led to its decision to share the Christmas spirit with local residents in a way they will never forget," WestJet said in a press release, noting that the airline flies to four destinations in the Dominican Republic.
"The WestJet holiday video has become a tradition for us, an opportunity for WestJetters to enrich lives through our fun and caring culture," said WestJet vice-president Bob Cummings, in the statement. "We decided to celebrate Christmas this year with a community that is near and dear to our hearts. This was our chance to give the people of Nuevo Renacer a once-in-a-lifetime experience – a Canadian Christmas."
According to a CTV news report, half the country's population lives on $4/day USD.
VIDEO: WestJet Christmas Miracle: Real-Time Giving (Dec. 8, 2013)