For those who give a little extra during the holiday season, a group of local pilots are offering up something very special.
The West Peace Aviation Association will once again be taking part in the “Twinkle Tour”, which sees night-time flights available for people who have made a minimum $60 donation to a number of charities in the Grande Prairie area.
The concept, initially from a similar group of pilots in Lacombe, was brought to life after a brainstorming session as to how to give back to those who give to charitable causes.
In 2018, the group ran in partnership with Ronald McDonald House, with the 2019 plan to branch out into four different organizations; the Salvation Army, Kev’s Kids, the Suicide Prevention Resources Centre or Bandaged Paws.
“We felt that with having four different charities, it would allow people to find something that’s maybe more in line with what they would want to do with charitable support this Christmas,” says Coordinator Leif Andersen.
Andersen says many people fly in and out of Grande Prairie on a daily basis, but this will be a tour for the ages, as it will focus on the best and brightest of the holiday season.
“What you wouldn’t see when you’re flying in a commercial airliner, and to be able to see [things like] the Northern Spirit Light Show, lights that people have up in their yards or in the city of Grande Prairie itself.”
Flights are scheduled from December 14th-December 30th from 5-8 p.m. weather permitting. For more information, you can find the poster for the event here.