Christmas came early for the 32 families who were lucky to secure places on this year’s Blue Island Santa flight last weekend. Organised by Jersey’s flying charity, Helping Wings, and given generously by the local airline, the flight was an amazing success.
From the Helping Wings meeting point in at the Jersey Aero Club through to check- in and security checks at the airport, the young passengers (local children who would benefit most from the experience), everything was carefully curated to ensure guests were given full VIP treatment.
There were two other VIPs waiting to greet the children on board the Santa flight – Father Christmas himself and his Elf. Together they entertained the families throughout the flight with everyone enjoying the great views of Jersey and the other Channel Islands.
With Santa’s sleigh back on the ground, a special surprise awaited the children in the arrival hall, his dedicated baggage carousel delivered an individual gift for each child.
Helping Wing’s chairperson, Eveline Hawkin, emphasised how the success of the event depended on so many people: “this magical day would not be possible without the incredible generosity of Blue Islands, its flight and cabin crew, and its wider team”.
Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands, said: “Together with Helping Wings we helped create unforgettable memories for local children as we took to the skies above Jersey, welcoming families on board a truly wonderful Santa flight. We’re so proud to support this fantastic initiative and play our part in bringing a little festive magic to our community”.
To quote one family: Please pass on mine and my son’s thanks to all your super team! We rarely are able to do anything exciting, so it really is appreciated. He coped so well I think I’m going to brave it and take him to London to see family finally. Without experiencing today I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence!
Helping Wings would also like to give special mention to the Ports of Jersey staff who made the security procedures stress free, to Durrell who assisted with all the Christmas gifts for the children, to the Jersey Aero Club for providing access to their car park and club room, to Callum Thorne and Luke Hosty for the videography and to Tantivy Coaches for their shuttle service.
Mrs Hawkin also said: “The thank yous would not be complete without saying “thank you” to her own team of Helping Wings volunteers who were there at every step of the journey."