Air Transat’s Flight in Search of Santa
Counting down to Christmas, we are on a mission to go to the North Pole and find Santa. For the past 11 years, Air Transat has partnered up with The Children’s Wish Foundation to create a magical trip for hundreds of sick children and their family with simultaneous flight in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Since 1984, The Children’s Wish Foundation has been granting wishes of children aged 3 to 17 with living with a life threatening illness. To date, the foundation has granted more than 23,000 wishes across Canada.
Air Transat regional manager Rod Ramage present a huge cheque of $143,082 to The Children’s Wish Foundation. The money was collected over the past year as part of the air carrier’s Small Change, Big Hearts program, donations made by passengers at the end of each flight. Since partnership in 2004, Air Transat has donated more than $5 million to The Children’s Wish Foundation.
“For Air Transat, this annual get-together is a mainstay of the Holiday season, and a favourite event of our employees,” said Jean-Francois Lemay, General Manager, Air Transat. “A child’s smile truly brings tidings of comfort and joy, and we in turn are delighted to bring a little magic into the lives of hundreds of children with severe illnesses, across Canada and now in France as well, with our first flight from Paris.”
“This one-of-a-kind, enchanting adventure is a welcome moment of respite for the kids and their families, who face a daily struggle with the realities of illness,” said Juli Meilleur director of The Children’s Wish Foundation. “We are so fortunate to have a long-standing partner in Air Transat that enables us offer a magical experience for the kids, as well as support us in achieving our mission.”
Our mission began at Vancouver International Airport. The terminal gate was transformed into a winter wonderland with princesses, arts & craft, face painting, snack station and photo booth at Santa’s workshop.
At 12:20 pm with our tickets on hand, we are ready to board onto the Airbus A330 to the North Pole. Over 100 children and their family joined the adventure.
Christmas party at 30,000 feet! All the children were stamping their feet and singing Christmas carols as we approach Santa’s secret village.
A Christmas miracle, we finally found Santa. The children were screaming and cheering and taking selfies with Santa.
Santa greeted each child and give their presents.
Thanks to Air Transat and Air Transat elves for making these children’s holiday wish come true. Merry Christmas! #SantaFlight
