West Wind Aviation will be bringing gifts to kids in the north this holiday season.

However, the company’s vice president of human resources, Tracy Young-Mclean explained due to the COVID-19 pandemic it will not be the same as previous years.

“Santa will not be going into the schools this year, nor will any of the staff,” she said.

Young-Mclean said instead the airline will be dropping off the gifts for kids at airports where they will be picked up by school staff.

Delivering presents to kids in northern communities is something the company feels is important to do. In years past Santa has made stops in a number of communities including, Fond-Du-Lac, Black Lake, Stony Rapids and Wollaston Lake.

“We know from previous years that the kids have gotten so excited every year when Santa flies in bringing their gifts,” said Young-Mclean.

Currently West Wind Aviation is in the process of consolidating their operations with Transwest Air. Young-Mclean said this, along with a drop off in businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to staff reductions.

Young-Mclean said the company has been forced to cut back on the number of regularly scheduled flights. However, she stresses the company is prepared to make adjustments as things change and is keeping their customers in mind.

“We continue to monitor and work with our communities to ensure that we’re still providing a level of service that they need,” she said.

(Photo: MBC News Staff)