Flight Stories #1357 & #1358
Toronto, Ontario > Abbotsford, British Columbia – 120,535 Irene’s WestJet Points
For Richard and his daughter Leigha, this journey carried deep meaning. Richard’s grandmother — Leigha’s great-Oma — has been receiving care for a serious, life-limiting condition, and her health has been declining. She lives alone and expressed how much she longed to see family. It had been nearly 20 years since Richard had last seen her, and Leigha had never met her in person. When they learned that her time may be short, both knew they needed to be there.
Richard shared in his application how much his Oma has meant to him throughout his life. She cared for him during difficult years, and many of his favourite childhood memories are tied to her — especially the Dutch dishes she made that he now cooks for Leigha, passing down the stories and comfort he remembers so well. For him, this visit was a way to bring those memories full circle and to introduce his daughter to the woman who helped shape his life.
Leigha, who speaks with her great-Oma over the phone every week, wrote that she loves hearing stories about when her dad was little and raised by her. Meeting her great-Oma for the first time felt deeply important to her — a chance to connect with family history and to offer love and companionship at a time when it is needed most.
Financially, the trip was out of reach. Richard supports two people on disability income, and Leigha’s application noted that they simply could not afford the cost of traveling across the country without help. Still, they hoped there might be a way to be together with Oma while she was still well enough to visit.
Thanks to the generosity of our donor Irene, flights were approved for both Richard and Leigha. The journey brought three generations together — offering comfort, connection, and precious time as a family.
When Richard received the news, he wrote:
“Thank you so much, it’s going to be such a blessing for my daughter and myself to spend some time with my Oma… thank you for this amazing opportunity.”
Because of donor kindness, Richard was able to reconnect with the grandmother who helped raise him, and Leigha was able to meet her great-Oma for the very first time. These moments — simple, loving, and full of meaning — are the memories families hold close.
We are deeply grateful to our Give A Mile community. Your compassion makes reunions like this possible and brings families together when every moment matters most.