Good Deeds: Fly Day sends Wish Foundation kids soaring

from Diplomat & International Canada - Spring 2020

by Diplomatonline.com Diplomatonline.com

DIPLOMATIC LISTINGS

Ahandful of children with lifethreatening diseases had their wishes granted at the fifth annual Ottawa Diplomatic Association’s “Fly in Airplane Tour Day” last autumn. The children, who are registered with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada, had said they would like to fly over Ottawa, and they had the chance to do just that during the Ottawa Diplomatic Association (ODA) event, held in conjunction with Diplo-fly, which provides the pilots who volunteer their time for the event. Nine-year-old Rio Sarrazin has a metabolic disorder called congenital glycose dilation disorder, a condition that affects balance, co-ordination and speech and afflicts just 1,000 people worldwide. His mom, Melanie Smith, said he was “so excited“ when he was in the plane. The flight day event offers flights leaving from the Rockcliffe Airport and flying over the capital’s core. Admission to the event, which includes a breakfast, is free for diplomats and their families and the flights cost $65 per person. In addition to granting young Rio and others their wish to fly, the ODA donated some of the money raised by the event to Children’s Wish. Honduran Ambassador Sofia Cerrato, who is the vice-president of the ODA, says Children’s Wish is a cause close to many diplomats’ hearts. “It’s so gratifying to see the kids’ faces,” Cerrato said. “Just giving them that happiness is so wonderful.” Last year, they had a Make-a-Wish child who wanted to visit the Galapagos as his major wish, so in addition to getting to fly, he received some funding towards the cost of that trip and the Ecuadoran ambassador brought him a book with some information about the area in advance of his trip. The Children’s Wish Foundation, for its part, was delighted to be the recipient of favours and funds. “The families had a fantastic time,” said Annie Stiles, wish co-ordinator at the foundation. “This type of thing is an enhancement on top of their big wish and we love doing events like that and partnering up with organizations that can grant these wishes. For those who are still waiting for their big wish and those who have already had it fulfilled, this kind of thing tells them they’re never forgotten. Our mission is to bring them hope and joy throughout their lives.” Knowing diplomats from foreign countries are helping grant these wishes is “pretty special,” she said. “Anyone in the community that wants to help our mission and be involved, we accept with open arms,” Stiles added. “The diplomats went above and beyond to make sure this was a special event for our little kids and we truly appreciate it.” D Rio Sarrazin, front, got his wish to fly over the city of Ottawa at the Ottawa Diplomatic Association's Fly Day. He's shown with, from left, South African High Commissioner Sibongiseni DlaminiMntambo, Honduran Ambassador Sofia Cerrato and his mom, Melanie Smith. Keller Williams Dec. 6 New_NSFIX.pdf 1 19-12-09 3:36 PM

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