Flight Story #1543
Victoria, British Columbia → Grande Prairie, Alberta
For years, Jorge had been there for Aaron’s children during a time when Aaron could not be.
Now, with Jorge facing the end of his life, Aaron wanted the chance to be there for him and for his children.
Jorge, Aaron’s father-in-law, was at the end of his life. Aaron had not seen him in many years, but the memories they shared had stayed with him.
Jorge had immigrated to Canada from Chile, and Aaron remembered travelling with him to his home country. Jorge would show him around and, as Aaron put it, “try” to teach him Spanish.
But what Jorge had done for Aaron’s family meant so much more.
Aaron shared openly that significant life challenges had kept him out of his children’s lives for about six years. During that difficult chapter, his children remained in Grande Prairie with their grandfather.
Jorge stepped up to care for them.
Aaron, meanwhile, had moved to Victoria and worked hard to rebuild his life. At the time of his application, he proudly shared that he had been sober for 15 months and was working toward being part of his children’s lives again.
Then came the news about Jorge.
Aaron knew his children were facing the loss of the grandfather who had cared for them, and he wanted to be there to support them through what was ahead.
He also needed the opportunity to say two very important things to Jorge: goodbye and thank you.
“He has been taking care of my children while I couldn’t. He stepped up for me and I’d like to be there for him and my children in this time and to say goodbye and thank you.”
But Aaron was living on disability benefits and a very limited income. The cost of travelling from Victoria to Grande Prairie was beyond what he could manage.
“If you are able to help with a flight that would mean the world to me and my children.”
Thanks to Deb and Mike and their donation of their WestJet points, Aaron received a compassionate round-trip flight to Grande Prairie.
Throughout the process, his gratitude came through clearly.
"I really appreciate this and you guys are amazing for what you do ❤️"
For Aaron, this flight was about more than one goodbye.
It was a chance to thank the man who stepped up for his children when he couldn’t, to support those children through a painful loss, and to be present for his family as he continued rebuilding his place in their lives.
Sometimes, being there is one of the most meaningful ways we can say thank you.
💙 You can help another family be together when it matters most. Donate miles, points or funds today. ✈️