The Other Bottom Line

FUR FLIES: Pacific Coastal Airlines’ corporate culture of giving back includes everyone who works there. As well as giving donations, the airline flies Special Olympians free to their events, plus animals and birds in need of care, such as this seal pup, above.

“Learn, Earn, Return” guides local airline

Pacific Coastal Airlines is a privately owned, British Columbia based, regional airline founded by Daryl Smith nearly 35 years ago.

From its primary hub at Vancouver International Airport South Terminal, Pacific Coastal (PCA) provides scheduled flights and cargo services to 18 destinations throughout BC as well as charter service in Western Canada. PCA work in partnership with both WestJet and Wilderness Seaplanes.

The airline’s motto is ‘People Friendly, People First.’

“As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage a positive, caring workplace and put a high value on collaboration, accountability, and loyalty. We are very proud to give back and provide support to the communities that we serve,” says president Quentin Smith. Here, he elaborates:

What is your “triple bottom line”? How do you add social value to this community?

Quentin • Having locations in numerous BC communities enables us to participate i n supporting many provincial charities and societies that have a local presence.

PCA provides air travel for Special Olympics BC athletes, coaches and volunteers when attending events all over BC, while also providing ongoing fundraising efforts throughout the year. In January 2019, we celebrated our 20-year partnership with Special Olympics British Columbia, and we are incredibly proud to be a member of the Special Olympics BC Hall of Fame.

PCA also donates cargo space on flights to transport animals in need of medical care, adoption, and relocation to and from BC SPCA shelters across the province. These flights allow animals their best chance of adoption and finding their forever home by moving them to shelters in more populated areas.

We recognize that ultimately our success comes as a result of the people and businesses of the communities we offer service to and, therefore, add social value by supporting local non-profit organizations and charities that do not have the resources for large fundraising campaigns and operate within tight budget constraints.

Our Community Sharing Program oversees several annual fundraising initiatives including our Annual Memorial Charity Golf Tournament and “12 Days of Christmas” raffle which, during the holiday season, supports families in need within the communities we serve by providing food, clothing, household items, and gifts from Santa for the children.

Have you always done this? What got you started?

Quentin • Since my father started his first business venture in 1964 he always promoted the philosophy of “Learn… Earn…Return” and throughout his lifetime continuously ensured that it was woven into the DNA of the business, as he strongly believed in good corporate citizenship by giving back to the communities who support us.

Do you have a personal connection to this cause?

Quentin • The business is now second generation and the Smith family continues to support the legacy and philosophy that helped grow the business to what it is today. What kind of practical support do you get, and from whom, to help you achieve this social value? Quentin • Being able to see the direct impact we have helped create within the bases we fly to, establishes a strong connection and commitment to the people within these communities.

Have there been any hiccups or challenges that others could learn from?

Quentin • Although COVID has made it difficult to provide the same amount of support we have done in the past, showing up for our communities is always at the top of our list. Our devoted employees have continuously made it possible to help achieve our community support goals.

What do you hope is the legacy of this work?

Quentin • I hope that the legacy of Pacific Coastal’s social value continues to develop, we find new ways to grow our social responsibility, and create connection, allowing us to work towards making a bigger impact.

What advice do you have for other businesses who might want to add social value to their bottom line?

Quentin • Adding social value should be shared as a collective employee group, and it should align with your business’ core values. The importance of creating an impact, and providing support should be modeled and lived by from the top down.

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