21.10.2017

21 child and their families, around 105 people, received a travel grant from The Special Children Travel Fund today.

The fund is based on the life work and ideas of Peggy Helgason, the wife of Sigurður Helgason, former CEO of Flugleiðir and board member of Icelandair Group. Peggy has volunteerd for years in children's facilities at Hospitals and has in many ways supported many ill children and their families. Peggy is on the Special Children Travel Fund's board, and her husband Sigurður is the chairman of the board. Patron of the fund is Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former president of Iceland.

The purpose of the fund is to support children with long-term illnesses, as well as children living in difficult circumstances, a chance to go on their dream vacation.

From its foundation 14 years ago, 591 families have received support, and today's allocation was the 29th one. During the event, all the children received a film ticket from Sambíóin, as has been custom the last few years. The Flight attendant choirs also sang a few songs. The fund is financed with direct financial support from Icelandair, Saga Points from Saga Club members as well as spare change passengers can donate during flight. Funds are also collected with the sale of Vildarengillinn on board our aircraft, and with collection boxes at Keflavík airport and at Icelandair sales desks. The Special Children Travel Fund also welcomes donations.

Each grant gives covers the costs of a flight ticket, accommodation, daily allowance and tickets to one event the child chooses. On average, each family consists of 5 people and 2,900 people have traveled with support from the fund. Many of the families have chosen to go to Florida, visit Disney World and other amusement parks in the area.