Air Transat sent hundreds of sick children on a special trip to search for Santa. The children participated in Flights in Search of Santa, an annual flight that sets out to the North Pole from Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. Air Transat also donated $143,000 to the Children’s Make a Wish Foundation, one of the participants in the magical event. Air Transat had been collecting money in its yearlong Small Change, Big Hearts program.

The 250 children who took part in the search for Santa  (and their family members) boarded a plane at the Montreal Trudeau airport and took a 90-minute flight in which they met up with Santa Claus. All of the participating children have severe illnesses.

“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,”  Juli Meilleur director of The Children’s Wish Foundation in Quebec said in a printed statement. “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.”

For the first time this year, children in France also participated in the event. Air Transat teamed up with Aeroports de Paris and the Association Petits Princes to send children in France to meet Santa.

 

Air Transat Photo by Lord of the Wings