Offsetters Guides Tour With Groupe Aeroplan Change Action Team - Showcasing BC Green Technology

Media Advisory - Vancouver, BC - Offsetters Guides Tour With Groupe Aeroplan Change Action Team - Showcasing BC Green Technology

What: A team of Groupe Aeroplan employees from around the world are coming to BC to learn more about clean technology and sustainability in the province and view projects chosen by Offsetters, which will benefit from carbon offset funds redeemed in the form of miles by over 4 million active Aeroplan Members. They will be touring the Sempa Power installation at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

When: Saturday, September 18th.  Media can meet the team at 9:15 am at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler lobby. Tour is scheduled to last 1 hr.

Who: The Change Action Team brings together nine Groupe Aeroplan employees from around the world who were chosen to visit BC to learn more about the company's corporate social responsibility and environmental commitment to sustainable operations. Employees were selected based on essays written on what they believed they could add to the program and how they would action what they learned from the trip in their own lives. Upon their return home they will also be asked to present what they learned to their team members who were not on the trip, potentially informing thousands of Groupe Aeroplan employees.
Also available for interviews: 
* Alden Hadwen, Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Groupe Aeroplan   
* Christopher Hakes, Manager, Client Engagement, Offsetters  
* Groupe Aeroplan employees on the tour are also available for interviews. 
* Gavin Hume, VP Technical Services of Sempa Power Systems
   
Where: Fairmont Chateau Whistler (4599 Chateau Boulevard, Whistler, BC)
Photo Opportunity: Groupe Aeroplan Change Action team checking out the Sempa Power plant at Chateau Whistler Resort.
 
Why: Touring the facility is a manifestation of a week’s learning for Groupe Aeroplan’s Change Action Team, outlining the challenges of climate change and the role that clean technology will play in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in BC. The purpose of the tour is to demonstrate that a shift to a low carbon economy is possible and the purpose of these trips is to demonstrate to Groupe Aeroplan’s staff their commitment to CSR from both an environmental and humanitarian perspective. Upon returning home, Groupe Aeroplan's Change Action Team will be responsible for educating thousands of Groupe Aeroplan's staff around the world on what they’ve learned from the trip including the tangible benefits of carbon offsetting.

This is the second year that Groupe Aeroplan has been organizing trips like this one for selected enthusiastic employees to experience Groupe Aeroplan's CSR projects around the world.
The Climate Action Team has a blog to track their adventures.
http://groupeaeroplanchangeactionteam2010.blogspot.com/

Media contacts:
Melaina Haas, The Tartan Group,

(250) 592-3838
melaina@tartangroup.ca

Melanie Wong, Offsetters

(604) 699-2652 or cell (604) 838-6248
melanie@offsetters.ca

Christa Poole, Groupe Aeroplan
(416) 352-3745 
Christa.Poole@aeroplan.com