As a proud sponsor of the popular festival, where visitors could enter to win a dream Christmas in Europe in the city of their choice, KLM takes its community commitment a step further by helping children from Philippi and surrounding communities experience the magic of a Christmas celebration like never before, says KLM.

For many of the children, this is their very first time travelling beyond the boundaries of their neighbourhoods. The day is filled with laughter, music and festive cheer — from dancing at the Santa Park stage and enjoying the rides and jumping castles to simply soaking up the spirit of unity and celebration that defines this special time of year, says the airline.

"At KLM, we believe that meaningful travel isn't just about moving people around the world, it's also about creating moments that inspire hope and connection," says Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM. "We were proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to empowering underserved communities and giving every child the chance to experience the joy of the season."

This initiative is made possible through powerful collaboration. Life Child, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children in Philippi and other at-risk areas, identifies the children and guardians for the trip. Cape Town Tourism is generously providing transportation to and from Tulbagh and Southern Sun has curated special lunch packs for each child and adult, adding to the festive generosity of the day, says the airline.

Together, KLM, Life Child, Cape Town Tourism and Southern Sun demonstrate the power of shared purpose in uplifting local communities — especially children who are most in need of joy, opportunity and positive memories, adds the airline.

This heartwarming initiative adds to KLM's broader commitment to corporate social responsibility which focuses on inclusive experiences and uplifting the communities the airline serves. As the children return home smiling and exhausted the message is clear: when travel, tourism and community come together, incredible things happen, says the airline.

As a global airline with deep roots in South Africa, KLM is proud to promote travel and tourism in Cape Town, not just through its sponsorships and campaigns but also by ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all communities. With daily flights from Cape Town to Amsterdam and beyond, KLM remains committed to connecting South Africans with the world while also creating meaningful experiences that support local development and social impact on the ground, concludes the airline.

For more information, visit www.klm.co.za. You can also follow KLM on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor