Air Canada now has an application for excess baggage. Not a reason to add in a few extra pairs of shoes, the application process is for humanitarian purposes, including the transportation of live rescue cats and dogs.
When I travel to impoverished countries, I usually take along an extra suitcase or pack extra needed articles into my existing case. I have been known to squish an extra 50 or 60 teddy bears into my case to give to group homes in the Caribbean and knowing that I could take an extra case and not worry about it would make giving even easier. A firm believer in giving back or making a deposit to countries I visit and not just making a withdrawal, perhaps the excess baggage grant will encourage others to do the same.
https://grantstream.com/AirCanada/form/ExcessBaggage/en/
Next month I am traveling to Turks and Caicos, staying at Ocean Club Resort, supporters of a program called “Pack for a Purpose”. This program is run through many destinations and encourages travellers to bring an extra article or two or an extra case with specific items listed on their website. The resort supports five local elementary schools and their needed items include general school supplies, flash cards, wall charts, reading books, art supplies, computer hardware and software, educational games and toys, basic first aid, and office supplies. The list of items needed is updated regularly. Who wouldn’t want to put back into the community in which they are staying?
https://www.packforapurpose.org
The application with Air Canada is simple and straightforward to fill out, however, if it is for giving supplies to a charity, you must have the name of a registered charity and their address and website on hand to complete the application. Waiting time is approximately 14 days, but I received permission in three days. For five pounds (2.27 kilos) you can bring ONE of the following: 400 pencils, 500 band-aids, five deflated soccer balls and an inflating device, but so many other items to choose from.