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Lacombe Flying Club's 'Twinkle Tours' support the food bank

Beautiful sights and one-of-a-kind experience offered in support of a good cause
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UNIQUE VIEW - The snow and fog surrounding the Joffree Petrochemical site take on a shimmering

BY KALISHA MENDONSA

Fundraising is being taken to new heights with the Lacombe Flying Club’s Twinkle Tours, where guests get to enjoy a bird’seye view of Lacombe and area.

For a $50 donation to the Lacombe Food Bank, pilots of the Flying Club are offering a beautiful view of the sparkling lights ofLacombe, Blackfalds, Joffre and Red Deer. The rides are approximately 40 minutes in length and are sure to delight flyers ofall ages.

The Twinkle Tours are being offered Wednesdays through to Fridays, weather permitting, until Dec. 23rd and can be booked by calling Jon Fromm at 403-896-7175.

“We wanted to do something to give back to the community as a club,” he said.

“With the current economic situation in the province, we know food banks are seeing a giant increase in need and we thought it would be nice to help them out. We thought this would be a good way to help the food banks out and have fun, because that's what flying is about - having fun.”

Guests are tucked into a cozy plane and treated to a one-of-a-kind experience while supporting a local cause.

Following the flight, members of the Flying Club offer hot chocolate and treats as guests get their feet back on the ground.

“It’s the kind of experience you can only understand by doing it,” Fromm said.

When you’re flying through the day, you get to see the buildings and roads below, but when you’re flying at night you’re able to see the lights and the way they reflect and it becomes a whole new experience.”

Fromm doesn’t personally take guests up as he’s not quite yet a licensed pilot so he leaves it to the experts such as AaronForster, a pilot who flies out of the Lacombe Flying Club.

However, he said it’s still a thrill to be part of the Club’s festive community opportunity.

For Forster, it’s always a pleasure to bring people into the skies and share his enjoyment of flying.

“The flying itself is always fantastic but it’s fun to meet new people and share your love of flying with them,” said the pilot.

“We are of course used to flying and doing all the procedures that go with it, but it’s really fun because most times you fly by yourself. To be able to share that, and have people laughing with you and enjoying themselves is fantastic.”

Don Warner, another pilot with the Flying Club, said he loves being able to raise money for the food bank while doing something he’s passionate about.

“I’ve been a pilot for many, many years and I love flying at night but don’t get that many chances to do it so these food bank fundraiser tours are a very enjoyable experience,” he said.

Forster agreed with his friend, saying “It’s great to be able to give back in a positive way and provide some funding for the food bank. It feels really good to be able to do that.”

The tours are safe, fun and unique, making great gifts and romantic date nights.

They are safe for kids, parents and grandparents alike, making them a great opportunity to bring a little wonder for everyone during this holiday season.

kmendonsa@lacombeexpress.com