Nearly 100 underprivileged children in George got the chance to soar through the sky thanks to the 13th edition of the Santa Flight!
George, South Africa (11 December 2024) — Every year, underprivileged children get to go to a place where big buildings become minuscule, animals look like insects and the clouds don’t seem nearly so far away. A trip up into the sky can certainly put a lot into perspective for the better, for a young person, and this is exactly what the Santa Flight Project is all about!
Recently, the 13th annual Santa Flight gave nearly 100 underprivileged children from across George the opportunity to soar through the sky thanks to the pilots, students and staff at Flight Training College George.
George Airport is said to have been buzzing with unparalleled excitement that day as youngsters eagerly awaited in-between moments on the jumping castle, treats, motorcycle marvelling and, of course, take-off.
Beyond the rush of life in an aircraft and getting to see the rest of the world shrink for a while, the team behind the Santa Flight Project know that it’s more than just an experience.
For some of the kids, it’s the kind of moment that turns the turbulence life has thrown their way into fuel to reach new dreams and aspirations. For others, it is a chance to see themselves in an aviation career. And for a few, it’s simply an epic ride.
Like other initiatives that use flight as a means to spread joy (the Elders Flight too is always a highlight), the Santa Flight Project is a special occasion for the people of George.
Where does Santa come in? On a plane, of course. This year, Santa quite literally arrived by plane before sharing gifts with the young passengers in what will go down as a ‘best day ever’ for many.
The Service Clubs of George, too, deserve a big round of applause for making the magic happen, 6 months of planning at that, as Jaco Hanekom shares.
These clubs include the Service Clubs of George—Garden Route Ladies Circle 20, Round Table, Lions Clubs (Eden and George), MOTH Club, Rotary and Vryburgers.