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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The last Santa Flight would-be air travellers were sitting fingers crossed at the George Airport as they watched a heavy mist bank roll in from the ocean, threatening their chances to take to the skies for the very first time.
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Their hearts dropped when the runway security gate slowly rolled closed, but thankfully a Kulula flight was allowed to land despite the mist and the gates reopened ensuring a total of 63 youthful wishes came true.
Santa and his band of merry helpers from five local service clubs were kept extremely busy at the airport on Saturday 2 December creating an unforgettable day for the excited youngsters.
The children's nervous laughter in anticipation of their first flight soon gave way to delighted "oohs" and "aahs" as they peered down at George from the plane's cabin during their 15 minute flight.
Ceri Shackleton, this year's Santa Flight convener, said financing the project is much more challenging than in the past.
The Leos from Holy Cross Primary taking a break from their minute to win it games. From left: Jade van Blerk (Junior Lion), Jaden van Heerden, Skye Harding, Anika du Toit, Siya Hugo, Lisa Ntoni, Mbasa Ngcobo, Liyema Nyobo and Chulumanco Schaap. Back Geae Hendricks (left) Elba Thölè and Ludoph Pedro.
"Service clubs must now foot the R3 500 fuel bill, but the reward is in seeing the smiles on the faces once the kids are back on dry land.
"We want to create lifelong memories so that children who experience this party are able to carry the joy and uniqueness of the experience with them for the rest of their lives,” said Shackleton.
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Conville Primary teacher, Clive Zinkfontein, said it is always difficult to decide who gets the opportunity to fly in the plane.
"I know that this will be the only flight some of the children will ever experience, but we have our criteria and we must stick to it."
Safely back on Mother Earth.
The idea of the Santa Flights is the brainchild of Rotarian Rick Clutten who was involved in a similar project at the Manchester Airport in the UK years ago.
This year the children who experienced the thrill of flying are from the ACVV Môreson Kinderhuis in Denneoord, Carpe Diem, Conville, Rosemoor and George South Primary schools as well as the Seven Passes Initiative.
The service clubs involved in the project are the Eden Lions Club, George Round Table, George Rotary Club, Vryburgers and the Outeniqua Moth Shell Hole.
The Seven Passes Initiative youngsters proudly display their golden tickets.
The staff and students from the Flight Training College and Eden 911, as well as metering and utility management solutions company, Power Measurement and Distribution, were lauded for their support, expertise and patience on the day.
Starlight Aviation from Mossel Bay brought Santa Claus to the George Airport in a helicopter, much to the delight of young and old.
ARTICLE, VIDEO & PHOTOS: MYRON RABINOWITZ, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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