The Charity Flight is now a popular fixture on the Pathfinders fundraising calendar, having kicked off in 2002 with a flight to Longreach.
Now in is seventh year, the flight draws a keen group of supporters back year after year to experience not only the destination, but the atmosphere of the flight.
The day is a complete team effort. Qantas donates the plane, staff – both in the air and on the ground – donate their time, Qantas In-flight Catering donates the in-flight catering, Sydney Airport waives the landing fees and Shell donates the fuel.
Pathfinders Charity Flight Chairman, Neville Frazer, says the charity flight concept is a simple one: “Each year we fly to a destination most of us have never visited before, and we help raise money for a great charity while having a fabulous time exploring somewhere we may never go again,” says Neville.
Money raised supports the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children’s educational services for children who have significant hearing and/or vision loss, including children who have additional disabilities.
This year, all funds raised from this event will go to towards helping children on the RIDBC Teleschool service. RIDBC Teleschool uses the communication technology, such as videoconferencing, to provide education and support to children with hearing or vision impairment and their families living in rural and regional areas of Australia.
Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight’s past destinations have included Sunshine Coast (2007), Tasmania (2006), Hamilton Island (2005), Uluru (2004), Norfolk Island (2003) and Longreach (2002).