Support for kids at HSC Children’s Hospital soars

Manitoba Air Cadets are taking their commitment to caring for kids to new heights.

“It’s rewarding knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of kids in hospital,” says Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) Jackson, the squadron commander and drill warrant officer at 176 Boeing of Canada Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

“I can’t imagine what they must go through, and it feels good knowing that what we do helps them.”

The Flight for Life fundraiser in support of Children’s Hospital Foundation by 176 Squadron has been running for almost 25 years and is marking a milestone of having raised over $42,500.

During the event, Cadets spend a weekend at a local mall displaying their aviation skills in a flight simulator, encouraging donors to help kids in hospital, and recruiting new members. The public can watch their flight on a large monitor and get a feel for what Air Cadets see and experience as they fly.

“Flight for Life is one of my favourite cadet activities, and I’ve looked forward to it every year,” says Flight Sergeant (FSgt) Bugia, the Admin Non-Commissioned Officer and Cadet Correspondent Non-Commissioned Officer at 176 Squadron.

The Air Cadet program at 176 Squadron has a long history of helping our community and has been offering activities and opportunities to get involved for young people ages 12 to 18 since 1942. The program, run in partnership with the Canadian Armed Forces and Air Cadet League of Canada, teaches the cadets skills like survival training, flying, leadership, speaking, and athletics all within a safe environment. Training focuses on developing youth by promoting responsibility, citizenship, self-respect, and self-reliance. 

“One of the pillars of the Cadet program is community service,” says WO1 Jackson. “We often work with organizations such as the Children’s Hospital to do our part. Needless to say, I am committed to supporting initiatives that benefit our community.”

While the Cadets may move on, year after year as they become adults, the tradition of caring for kids at 176 Squadron remains strong and leaders hope to expand Flight for Life to include Sea Cadets as well.

Community leaders like the Cadets help raise over $1 million each year to support children and families who rely on HSC Children’s Hospital, Manitoba’s only children’s hospital, and the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM).

FSgt Bugia says it feels great to help out.

“I’m proud of what we get to do, because kids are wonderful people, and it feels good to know we can help them in this way.”