Xmas gift from the clouds

“WE WOULD like to thank Mark and Melissa at Community Flights for helping a local family put a smile on their face that has been missing for many months.”

Ashleigh, a mother of four children under the age of 12 years, faced a difficult Christmas last year with the loss of her husband to a mental illness.

Like many families who have lost loved ones during the year, her focus was on her children and her attempt to put a smile on their faces after a tragic year.

What she was not expecting was a gift from a community organisation that provided a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the Christmas Lights and spirit of the region from the sky.

Community Flights is a not for profit organisation that provides free, flexible and safe transport service for rural and remote Queenslanders struggling with ongoing longdistance medical treatment.

Their aircraft can reach rural airstrips cutting travel time, cost and inconvenience, allowing health service support that previously was out of reach.

The family enjoyed an evening flight that showed the Christmas Lights of the Fraser Coast and how the community celebrates with the colourful lights.

CEO and founder of Community Flights, Mark McMurtrie, was made aware of the family’s story through another community group,

Fraser Coast Mates, and instantly wanted to provide the children with a flight that would lift their spirits leading into Christmas.

“I’m glad they had 15 minutes taking their mind away from it all,” said Mr McMurtrie.

“Their youngest is the same age as my son... absolutely devastating that he’ll miss making memories to cherish forever. I’m just pleased to help the family in a small way.”

Ashleigh has expressed her gratitude to Community Flights, and everyone involved in making the evening happen.

“I’m just thankful for the support we have received from so many and the generous nature of groups like Community Flights.”