Young People Experience the Joy of Flight at Air Smiles Day
More than 40 local young people, aged seven to 16, from charity Kids Company were specially selected for light aircraft flights over their home town as part of the Airbus sponsored Air Smiles Day held at Bristol and Wessex Flying Club, Bristol Airport on Saturday.
Airbus teamed up with leading UK aviation charity fly2help and Bristol Airport to host a fun action packed day on the airfield which included a pleasure flight in a light aircraft, various activities with Avon and Somerset police, exploring fire-fighting equipment and clothes with the airport’s fire and safety team, and learning how to take fingerprints with local police cadets. The beneficiaries also graduated from the Airbus Wing Academy by testing and flying model aircraft.
Kids Company, with centres in London, Liverpool and Bristol, provide practical, emotional and educational support to vulnerable children, young people and families, of which many have experienced multiple trauma and neglect and live in severe deprivation.
Esther Keller, Director of Services at Kids Company Bristol said, “We are absolutely delighted that fly2help and Airbus has offered us, in Kids Company, this marvellous opportunity for our young people. They don't often get the chance to experience such an exciting adventure. The children have been very excited about this for a long time. We can't thank Airbus enough for their generosity.”
Felicia Willow, Chief Executive Officer at fly2help said, “It was amazing to be able to work with Kids Company for this event. An ‘Air Smiles Day’ can be a life-changing experience and the day gave these young people the chance to leave their troubles on the ground and see the world from a different perspective as well as being able to take part in some very special activities.”
fly2help provides ‘Air Smiles Days’ - exciting experience days, centred around a short flight in a light aircraft - to people living in difficult situations, including illness, disability, bereavement and isolation. Air Smiles Days aim to bring joy and laughter, create and capture magical memories, boost confidence and self-esteem and offer respite to individuals, families and groups.
