A decade of Santa Flights

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GEORGE NEWS - About 90 children went to bed happy and smiling on Saturday evening, 26 November, after spending an adrenalin-filled day at this year's annual Santa Flight at Flight Training College, George Airport.

It was the 10th edition of this special day and was once again made possible by members of the Round Table, Rotary, Ladies Circle, Eden Lions, George Lions, Die Vryburgers and the Outeniqua Moth Shellhole.

Children from Carpe Diem, Parkdene and Pacaltsdorp primary schools, ACVV Môreson Child and Youth Centre, Conville Primary and St Paul's Primary were invited to a day of activities that included rides on a BMW motorbike, in a sports car, and a Nyala armoured car from Seal Security.

And then off course there was the highlight - a 10-minute flight in a fixed-wing small aircraft, three-wheel motorised glider or a jet-powered helicopter.

"To see the kids smile and uncontrollably jumping up and down after a ride on the motorbike or a plane was exhilarating," said chairperson and convener of the project Jaco Hanekom.

"They were all carefully selected by the respective clubs to ensure that they have never flown in a plane before and that they worked hard at school during the year and show a cheerful outlook towards others."

After all the excitement the children were given some sweet treats and each child also received a tombola pack with ingredients for a Christmas pudding. Access to paintball shooting at targets in a special tunnel and a choice of four different jumping castles saw the kids having an absolute blast.

To top it all off, Santa made a surprise visit, arriving on a motorbike with presents. Each child received a personalised hand-painted bag with a gift, after which they enjoyed the 10-year Santa Flight anniversary cake that was cut by the original organiser of the Santa Flight, Rick Clutton.

"This was a fantastic effort once again from the true heroes of George, the people of the service clubs who made this special day possible and changed the lives of so many" said Hanekom.

"We salute each one of you. The funds for this year's flight were made available by a former Round Tabler, Richard Burnett, and his wife Krystina, from Scotland. When they recently got married, they asked all their wedding guests to donate funds to the Santa Flight rather than buying them presents.

"To all our local and international donors and sponsors, may you be blessed in abundance for your contributions big and small. Also to the 15 committee members, a huge shout out!"

PHOTO GALLERY: Special Santa treats for local children

Each child received a personalised gift bag with cool presents.