History
About the
"North Pole"
The “Flight to the North Pole” is a magical trip held annually in December for children who are suffering from childhood cancer, siblings, and parents – their entire family gets to go! The Flight volunteers have worked with children’s hospitals, previous attendees, and other children’s charities to give families a happy time together, and to give them a break from the day-to-day treatments they endure. The event lasts a few hours and programming consists of a “flight” for the children and their family, lunch, games, entertainment and of course a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children and their families are sent home with gifts off their wish lists, treats, and some other surprises all in their Santa-sized bags.
The “Flight” is organized and produced by volunteer “elves” from the North Pole with help of the generous funding from incredible businesses, community partners, and some very special sponsors. 100% of all funds donated to the Flight to the North Pole, support this program and the incredible families it serves.
History
Originally founded in 1985 in Milwaukee, with the help of some very dedicated retired flight attendants, flight crew at General Mitchell International Airport and local businesses, the Milwaukee “Flight to the North Pole” is the very first of its kind in the United States. Flights to the North Pole are found in at least 20 cities across the country.
Our Core Values
The “Flight to the North Pole” is an annual event for families that have a child or children currently fighting childhood cancer. This journey to the “North Pole” is to help these families forget about being in the hospital, being sick, and to concentrate on having fun – if for only one day. The mission is to provide families a happy memory, relaxing time together, and remove them from the day-to-day concerns they are dealing with. Due to the financial constraints these families are under; medical expenses and lost wages, we provide a complete family outing with gifts for everyone – including siblings without any cost to them.
Our donors and volunteers of the “North Pole” are dedicated to fulfilling any eligible child fighting cancer, a visit to the “North Pole” to see Santa.
Nominating a Family
We are often asked… How can my family go to the “North Pole”?
Of course, an event like this has certain requirements to qualify.
Flight to the North Pole accepts nominations from families that meet the following criteria:
- Family has a child fighting cancer
- Family has never benefited from the “Flight to the North Pole” before
- Family has a child that still believes in the “magic” of Santa
