Pupils take to the skies thanks to police initiative
Posing in front of the aircraft used in the ''Take a kid flying day'' are (from left) Constable James McDonald of Alexandra, Central Otago Flying Club pilot David Bourke, Alexandra Lions Club president Murray Anderson and Central Otago Flying Club president Kurt Verduyn. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/DONALD LAMONT
Twenty-seven Central Otago primary school pupils took to the skies as part of the Police's Blue Light initiative "Take a kid flying day" in Alexandra over the weekend.
Central Otago youth aid officer Constable James McDonald said for most of the 27 children it was their first time in a plane.
Flights ran throughout the day using the Central Otago Flying Club's aircraft, starting from 10am.
The initiative allowed children to step outside of their comfort zones and do something they had never done before.
"It just builds up a bit of resilience with young people. There were a couple that were pretty nervous, so, it's quite good [to have overcome that]."
This was Const McDonald's first year as the Central Otago Lakes Blue Light chairman so facilitating the event was interesting, he said.
"I wasn't sure how it was all going to play out, but it was a real success and everything just fell into place really, really nicely."
The children were selected from primary schools in the Alexandra and Cromwell areas. Each school's leadership teams selected the five children best suited to the opportunity, he said.
Because Blue Light was a not-for-profit organisation, it had to reach out to local organisations for sponsors.
The flying club helped through pilots who gave their time, and with the cost of running the aircraft.
Alexandra Lions contributed financially and cooked lunch for all involved.
Alexandra and Clyde Night 'n Day and McLellan's Plumbing & Heating also supported the event.
Seeing the children a bit nervous as they hopped on the plane and then return with big smiles was something he found fulfilling, Const McDonald said.
"I mean the kids were a little bit nervous and then as soon as they'd gone up and done the loop and come back down, they were a lot different — big smiles on their faces, full of excitement and very appreciative for the opportunity," he said.
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