Wings for Kids Australia

Wings for Kids is a collaborative initiative between several small businesses in an effort to give kids with illnesses and kids with disabilities in Victoria an experience they will never forget.

While watching a documentary about kids with illnesses and disabilities, owner/operator of Matilda Air Services was inspired to do something for kids who face more than their fair share of ‘battles’ at such young age. He recalled how much the children in his extended family enjoyed a family day out at Tooradin airport where they took turns for a joy flight – remembering the smiles on their faces, their excitement, and how the kids still talk about it today. The idea came to him that he could give the gift of the same experience to the kids…

The experience will begin with an educational tour of the airport grounds as well as an air mechanic operator’s hanger. This is followed by a joy flight in a light plane.

The kids go home with a big smile on their faces, a photo for keepsake, stories to tell their family and friends, and a goodie bag of treats just to make that day extra special.

In addition to representing the flying experience, this initiative was named ‘Wings For Kids’ in hope of inspiring the younger generation to have dreams and aspirations – as the saying goes, ‘have wings, will fly’.

Wings for Kids launches it’s first initiative with Down Syndrome Victoria with a family day sausage sizzle at Moorabbin Airport on Saturday, 24 September 2011. This features a preview of some of the participating aircraft.

Flights for the kids kick off the subsequent month.

Kimberly Williamson, Fundraising Manager for Down Syndrome Victoria was amazed and thrilled to have such an outpouring of generosity from Glenn, Nicole and all who have come on board within the ‘flight community’.

‘This event is a fantastic opportunity to get some of our families together who share a passion for flying. My own family has always wanted to take a scenic flight but we just have never had the resources to do it and I know my all my kids – including my son Jack – will be thrilled with the chance to see our beautiful city and surrounds from such an exciting perspective – just like the birds see it! Jack is 10 and has Down syndrome. It is opportunities like this that show him and everyone around him that regardless of his disability – the things that inspire him and thrill him are no different to anyone who shares common dreams and passions.’

If you would like to help or pitch in contact Nicole at 03 9376 0184 / 0430 592 287 or email nickie@creativecats.com.au.

Otherwise show your support by liking their Facebook page here

Having just started, Wings for Kids are a humble initiative hoping to grow over time. They  would love for other aircraft operators and businesses in associated industries who hear about them to join in our gift of giving and make Wings for Kids available all over Victoria and eventually for all Australia too!
They also hope to one day be able to run a ‘sponsor-a-smile’ program to allow flight sponsorships so as to be able to extend their reach and make this experience available to more kids with disabilities or illnesses all over Australia.