Children fly in an aircraft for the very first time
MIDRAND - It was a fun day for all.
Grand Central Airport welcomed a 1 000 children, mainly from disadvantaged communities, and people with various disabilities for The Children’s Flight initiative on 31 August.
For the majority of the children, it was their first flight.
Founders of the initiative, Michael Ferguson, Jason Beamish and Felix Gosher started the project with the hope that it would encourage children, mainly disadvantaged children, to dream big and realise that even the seemingly impossible and far from reach is possible.
“This event means so much more to us than putting kids in an aeroplane and flying them around for the day – it’s about encouraging children to stick with their dreams,” said Gosher.
Pilots, aircraft owners and various sponsors were invited to lend their support and generously offered their time and resources, and provided funding to help make the event a success.
“We’ve been fortunate to receive an overwhelming amount of support from businesses, individuals and the community at large.
“Without them, an event of this nature just wouldn’t be possible.”
The event first took place in 2016 with only 130 children participating as part of a Mandela Day initiative. It has since grown and last year they welcomed 400 children and this year even a bigger turnout.
Many organisations attended the event including, Johannesburg Children’s Home, Life 4 U Foundation, Special Olympics SA, St Vincent’s School for the Deaf, among others.
