Children treated to a day of high-flying thrills

Children treated to a day filled with wonder at the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day.

November 27, 2019

Leigh Hodgson 2 minutes read

Father Christmas (aka Chloe Spolander) waves from a Puma Energy Flying Lions’ Harvard during the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day at Rand Airport, last Sunday.

Rand Airport once again offered the perfect backdrop for the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day, last Sunday.

The annual event sees the team giving back to children by taking them for flips in their aircraft.

This year children and staff from iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home, Nkosi’s Haven and Children of the Dawn were treated to a day of high-flying thrills as they were taken for a flight in either a Harvard, a Baron ZS-LWT, a Pitts Special, Cessna 140 or Cessna 210.

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A big thank you went out to the pilots for the day, Arnie Meneghelli, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, Rodney Chinn, Sean Thackwray, Hayden Tunmer, Sally Bates, Mark Fleck and Dylan van der Merwe, who made sure the children’s flying experience was one they will never forget.

Chloe Spolander, Aubyn-Shaye Paul, Brad Wood, Keagan Foley, Margo Venter, Roslind and William Tomlinson, Retania Mahabeer and Lee Naidoo worked on the ground to help the children in and out of the aircraft and helped get the aircraft ready.

“To assist the team in making the children’s dreams come true, Rand Airport waived the approach and landing fees for the aircraft used on the day,” explained Sam van der Merwe.

The children, as well as their house mothers and fathers, were also treated to a delicious lunch at Harvard Café, before the arrival of Father Christmas.

Father Christmas (aka Chloe), who jumped out of a Harvard, handed each of the children a gift bag filled with goodies.

The bags were sponsored by Puma Energy, Academy Brushware, Bidvest Foods, Colin Wilson, Eco Rubber Edenvale, Mango Airlines and Arnie Air.

The children were thrilled with their gifts and their fun-filled day.

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When asked why the team continues to host such days, Sam explained: “This has been a day close to our hearts for 15 years now.

“Arnie and myself have hosted our annual charity day with or without sponsors at times.

“Arnie has always been someone who just keeps giving and giving. He is also keen on introducing aviation to young children in order for them to get bitten by the bug and become pilots, and in turn keep general aviation alive, not only in our community, but throughout our country.”

Father Christmas waves to the children from a Puma Energy Flying Lions’ Harvard during the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day at Rand Airport, last Sunday.

A child from Nkosi’s Haven shows off his face paint at the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day at Rand Airport, last Sunday.

Children from Nkosi’s Haven have fun during the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ annual children’s charity day at Rand Airport, last Sunday.

Puma Energy Flying Lions hosted their annual children’s charity day at Rand Airport, last Sunday. Here a volunteer helps a child from iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home into one of the Puma Energy Flying Lions’ Harvards.

Children from iKhaya da Luz Children’s Home, Nkosi’s Haven and Children of the Dawn wait to receive their gifts from Father Christmas.

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Ashley Kiley (Journalist) ashleyk@caxton.co.za.

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