Wings & Wishes was established in 2006 after a group of employees from Coca-Cola Sabco (Pty) Ltd developed the innovative idea of donating their frequent flyer miles as part of an internal Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. The miles were committed to facilitating the transport of critically ill children and an accompanying adult to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town, or an alternative appropriate medical facility, for treatment.

The programme is now a registered project under The Coca-Cola Sabco Community Foundation (IT 60/2007) and is administered by a voluntary Wings and Wishes committee. The programme is funded entirely through donations and is supported by many individuals and organisations in South Africa. As word of the programme spreads, requests for flights are almost a daily occurrence. Over 270 children have been assisted over the past 4 years, involving more than 1100 flights.

Monetary donations are used to cover flight costs or to provide alternative transport should a flight not be an appropriate option. Donations of comfort items such as toiletries, pyjamas, underwear and soft toys are also gratefully received in order to provide the children with essential provisions for the trip.

Wings and Wishes is committed to providing compassionate support immediately, with minimal bureaucracy, whilst maintaining the highest level of integrity and dignity for the children and their families.

Our monthly newsletter gives updates on the progress and special needs of the children we have assisted. Please contact us to be added to our mailing list.