On the morning of Wednesday, December 5 the flight screens at Vancouver International Airport flashed a very unusual destination - the North Pole.
Equally as conspicuous was a line up of over 100 excited children and their families, carollers, and a giant walking teddy bear getting ready to check in. After further inspection, travellers would learn that this group was lined up for the Children’s Wish Foundation Flight in Search of Santa. Headed to the North Pole, Vancouver Whitecaps FC club ambassador Carl Valentine joined these children in the search to find jolly old Saint Nick.
After checking-in, passengers were entertained with Christmas crafts, face painting, and treats! Bubbling with anticipation, children around the room could be heard eagerly rehearsing their Christmas wish lists.
Once the plane was boarded and sailing smoothly through the skies, it didn't take long to get Santa on the radar . About a half hour in to the two hour flight, the pilots located Santa out for a spin in his new sleigh and invited him aboard.
Santa, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and some elves docked on top of the plane. Once they came aboard they began to hand out stockings to every girl and boy. Smiling ear to ear the children could barely contain their excitement for the special guest.
After a smooth landing the children walked away with the experience and memories of a lifetime.
