Ever imagined soaring across Canterbury with full control of the aircraft? On Saturday, November 11 you could do just that, with students and fundraisers planned to step out of their comfort zone and take the flight of their lives as part of a fundraiser hosted by the Graeme Dingle Foundation.
The Graeme Dingle Foundation supports over 3,800 students aged 5-18 across the wider Canterbury region through their programmes Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K. Programmes like these rely on frequent fundraising and ‘Fly for Youth’ is an exciting initiative to support the Foundations work in schools. Businesses and individuals are invited to sign up to support the cause, and with partners Canterbury and South Canterbury Aero Clubs and Garden City Helicopters, participants can choose their flight style and have their very own opportunity to fly an aircraft alongside a trained pilot.
With over 35 young people eager and willing to fundraise to fly an aircraft, the Foundation is now looking for more adults to fundraise toward their goal of $30,000 and join this incredible experience. By meeting a fundraising target of $800, you’ll experience a one hour session where you take control in either a helicopter or plane for an introductory flying lesson, with all funds raised going toward empowering tamariki and rangatahi in Canterbury to overcome life’s obstacles.
Graeme Dingle Foundation Canterbury Trustee Mark Dingle, who participated in the event last year, said the opportunity to fly is something he’d always been keen to try, and this was the perfect way to do it while raising funds, so he jumped at the chance.
“It was an opportunity to support a worthy cause and directly contribute to the work of the Foundation and we’d love for more eager participants to get involved” he said.
“The fundraiser also serves as another positive element to the programmes we run for young people, who too have the chance to fundraise and fly. We’ve had students fundraising for the experience by selling raffle tickets, bacon and cookie time cookies. It really gives them an opportunity to set a goal and achieve it. Taking control of the aircraft is an exciting way to develop their confidence and self-belief, while practicing multi-tasking and decision making.” He continued.
Dingle spoke fondly of the experience and encouraged others to give Fly For Youth a try.
“Last year we went out over the river, and I took control – it was challenging and enjoyable at the same time. I left thinking maybe this is something I would like to continue doing. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to just do it. You’re guaranteed to have an awesome time, learn something new and support the Graeme Dingle Foundation at the same time.”
With November’s weather making excellent flying conditions, keen participants are encouraged to take on the challenge and sign up today at the Graeme Dingle Foundation website.
ENDS
For more information on Fly for Youth, please contact:
Sian Neary, General Manager Canterbury
sian.neary@dinglefoundation.org.nz
Fundraiser Timeline 1st August to 31st October – Sign ups and fundraising.
11th November – Flights take place.
Fundraiser Partners Thanks to GCH Aviation, you can experience a 1 hour helicopter flight where you get to fly the aircraft. A trial flight puts you safely behind the dual controls of a Robinson 22 helicopter with an instructor beside you the whole time, guiding you through your take-off, hover, flight and landing. Thanks to Canterbury Aero Club and South Canterbury Aero Club, you can experience an aeroplane flight where you get to fly the aircraft! 1hr flight experience with a fully qualified Flight Instructor including a 15min briefing, 30min flight and 15min debrief.