GANDRE: An Homage to the Town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada
The town of Gander, Newfoundland plays a pivotal role in telling one of the most inspiring stories of community and kindness in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
On that fateful day, as U.S. airspace was suddenly closed, 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were rerouted and forced to land at Gander International Airport. For a small town with a population of just under 10,000, this sudden influx of stranded travelers was overwhelming. Yet, instead of being burdened, the people of Gander responded with remarkable generosity, opening their homes, schools, and hearts to these “plane people,” as they were affectionately called.
For five days, the townspeople provided food, shelter, clothing, and emotional support to passengers from all over the world. Strangers quickly became friends, and in many cases, lifelong bonds were formed. The story of Gander stands as a testament to the power of human kindness, showing how a small community can come together in extraordinary ways during times of crisis.
come from away
This incredible story was told in the Broadway musical Come From Away. (The term “come from away” is a phrase used by the people of Newfoundland to describe outsiders or visitors who are not originally from the island.)
Although Come From Away closed on Broadway in late 2022, the show is currently touring internationally - and a recording is available on Apple TV+.
Our company, GANDRE (pronounced “gander”), is named in homage to this incredible community and its extraordinary people. From streamlining processes to fostering collaboration across teams, the GANDRE team reflects the values of reliability, adaptability, and care that the people of Gander demonstrated during an unprecedented moment in history.
Every year on September 11, we close our office and dedicate our time to making the world a better place.
Just as Gander transformed an unexpected crisis into an opportunity for connection and support, we use this day to give back, fostering hope, unity, and positive change in our own way. It’s our way of turning remembrance into action and ensuring that the legacy of resilience and compassion lives on.