For over 14 years, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Quest Outreach Society have worked hand in hand to make the holiday season a little brighter for families facing food insecurity. This ongoing partnership is built on a shared commitment to supporting our community and ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food—especially during the holidays.

Following the success of our Annual Hamper Drive hosted on December 13—where we helped feed nearly 10,000 British Columbians—YVR employees once again joined forces with Quest this past week to assemble and distribute even more hampers to families in need, just in time for the holidays.

On December 20, a team of volunteers from YVR and Quest came together to fill another 200 hampers with festive essentials, including antibiotic-free and halal-certified turkeys, fresh local produce (onions, carrots, potatoes, beets, and mandarin oranges), gravy, chicken stock, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and a sweet holiday treat. These hampers, distributed in Burnaby, Surrey, and other locations across the Lower Mainland, represent more than just meals—they’re a symbol of care, dignity, and hope, showcasing the power of community and purpose that defines the longstanding YVR-Quest partnership.

This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers who lend their time, energy, and compassion year after year. As Ivan Tse, Manager of YVR’s Guest Experience team and a experienced volunteer, put it:

“I think the work that Quest does is so important. Everyone should have an opportunity to share a good meal with loved ones during the holidays. And the way the airport community comes together for this event is truly inspiring. It’s about taking action to help others, not just words or good intentions.”

For Oge Moss, Environmental Analyst at YVR and a returning Quest volunteer, the experience holds deep meaning:

“I love volunteering and giving back to our community. It is a passion of mine, and I try to encourage others on my team to participate with me when they can. Quest is one of my favorite organizations to volunteer for because food is essential to all of us, and this partnership is a beautiful way to provide this need to those who face challenges affording the high costs of food. This time, I had the honor of distributing hampers and meeting the recipients, bringing joy to their holiday season with a hamper full of healthy, delicious food. It’s an experience I will always cherish.”

Rose, a Quest client, offered a heartfelt reminder of the life-changing impact these initiatives can have on individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Her story underscores the importance of compassion, community, and the shared effort to bring hope and dignity to those in need.

“My husband lost his job, and as we’re in our late 50s and early 60s, we found ourselves facing food insecurity. A neighbour mentioned Quest to us, and it has been life-changing. Events like the Annual Hamper Drive help destigmatize people who need food banks and food markets. I’m so grateful for the volunteers, staff, donors, and partners—I will keep them in my heart. This support reduces anxiety and brings happiness to people like us.”

The impact of these efforts extends far beyond the holiday season. Quest Outreach Society plays a vital role in the community, providing accessible, affordable food through its non-profit grocery markets and partnerships with local organizations. YVR is proud to support Quest with a $65,000 donation this year, further enabling their work to reduce food insecurity and uplift families across British Columbia.

We’re grateful for everyone who continues to make this partnership a success—our volunteers, partners, donors, and the Quest team. Together, we’re filling tables and hearts with hope, one hamper at a time.

Happy Holidays!

As part of the festive season, YVR is unveiling several holiday activities across the airport. 

And yes, visitors to Vancouver Aquarium at YVR may spot Santa cleaning the tank on December 19 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. along with a certified dive team.  

That’s probably not enough to satisfy your yuletide cravings, so rest assured YVR’s offering plenty more festive activities throughout the month. 

The Seasons Treatings campaign kicked off December 13, and will see members of YVR’s team gifting cookies and YVR bucks (essentially gift certificates redeemable at YVR’s restaurants and retail shops), as well as kids’ activities (including colouring sheets and crayons for younger guests, and sticker sheets), doggie biscuits from Purebread Bakery, cream whiskey tastings, and more surprises across the terminals in both pre- and post-security areas. 

The Fairmont Vancouver Airport will host a Santa Parade in the pre-security areas of the domestic and international terminals on Level 3 on December 18, between 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon, and on Monday, December 23 (Santa’s schedule is pretty busy at this critical juncture, so stay tuned on the exact time!). 

If you haven’t been able to get your letter sent to Saint Nick, you can search out the Santa Chair in the Fairmont lobby on December 13 and 20, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. and have a photo taken with the big guy. (Maybe bring your list, too. No guarantees, but if you’ve been good this year, we like your chances.) 

YVR’s Less Airport Stress Initiative (LASI) dogs will also be on duty over the holiday travel season, sharing their comfort and good cheer with travellers, too.  

These trained therapy dogs, courtesy of the St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dog Program, provide comfort and emotional support to travellers who may be feeling anxious about their journey, adding an extra layer of calm to the YVR experience.  

Keep an eye out for Freya (a friendly, costume-wearing Dachshund), Payton (a blind rescue dog from South Korea), and Boomer (a gentle favorite among kids), just a few of the 14 canine crewmembers. Handlers and dogs receive specialized respectability training to support neurodiverse passengers, and work in partnership with organizations like the Pacific Autism Family Network and Parkinson Society British Columbia. Our LASI team works daily from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

For the full lineup of holiday programming, check YVR’s social channels for updates.