(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Fly over Red Deer

Operation Food Lift returns this Sunday to help the Red Deer Food Bank

Sep 26, 2025 | 1:22 PM

If you’ve ever wondered what Red Deer looks like from a bird’s eye view, this weekend’s event at Sky Wings Aviation Academy is the perfect opportunity and in support of an important cause.

On Sunday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sky Wings Academy at the Red Deer Regional Airport, the public can take a tour from the sky during Operation Food Lift for just $30 per person in support of the Red Deer Food Bank.

Executive director of the Red Deer Food Bank Mitch Thomson said Operation Food Lift has become one of the perennial fundraising events the community has come to recognize.

“Thousands of dollars are raised each and every year, as well as needed food that helps us keep our shelves full,” Thomson said. “It’s one of those events that we count on. It makes a big impact for us and really is a fun experience for everyone involved.”

He explained, the event increases in popularity every year. Last year, they had to bring in extra planes and even a helicopter to accommodate everyone who came.

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“This year we’re jumping on it ahead of time, and so we expect lots of pilots, some good lineups, but things moving briskly to enjoy a scenic flight over the city,” he added.

There will also be food trucks on location, as well as games to play. All ages are welcome to take part in a flight and in the past have had very young children to even elderly passengers.

Sherry and Dennis Cooper, who own Sky Wings Aviation, Thomson said, were the visionaries of Operation Food Lift.

The event was born over 25 years ago out of the generosity of their hearts in hopes of giving back to the community and making a difference.

Mason Leroux, flight instructor at Sky Wings Aviation, said those who come to the event will get to fly over Red Deer in a Cessna 172 aircraft. The plane can take up to three passengers at a time for a scenic tour at approximately 1,500 feet.

“I think it’s really cool. A lot of people don’t get to experience that, and it’s a completely different view of the city when you’re up 1,500 to 2,000 feet in the air. I think people are sort of amazed at what we get to do and the view you can get from up there,” he said.

Thomson added that 40 per cent of people who use the food bank are children. Over the past three years, Thomson said the fall season has been one of the toughest times for the food bank, and this year is no different. By the time they get towards the end of summer, they have more produce but are lacking other items, and their stock diminishes more than any other time in the year.

“We are asking the community to consider coming out to Operation Food Lift and bringing a food donation with a value of about $30 or making that $30 contribution to the flight,” Thomson said. “Each and every contribution helps support a child or a family in need so no one goes hungry.”