The fun day was the drivers' idea, and they thought it appropriate to hold it on Sunday, March 2.

The drivers and other Corporate Cabs volunteers are collectively donating 150 hours (25 drivers x six hours + other volunteers) of time to the 25 children from Ronald McDonald House Auckland, Kidney Kids, Cure Kids and Kidz First.

The drivers, who came up with the initiative and helped organise the day, picked up the children and their families and caregivers from all over Auckland and drove them in comfort to Auckland Museum to be met by Basil the Dinosaur before heading in convoy to the airport.

Auckland Airport, sponsorship partner for the event, gave the kids a lifetime experience including a Marae welcome, a demonstration from NZ Customs Detector Dogs, a taste of airside action with the Airport Emergency Service, and to see the simulator.

In addition this year a gymnastics demonstration was also given by Katherine Paton, an inspirational young woman who received a kidney transplant in 2008. She may need another transplant for her kidney in years to come, but in the meantime she continues her top level gymnastic career.

Katherine was third in the New Zealand national late last year, and has just come back from the United States where she competed in two competitions in Los Angeles and Los Vegas. Next she plans to travel to the Australian nationals.

As well as providing inspiration for the kids of rising above life's challenges to pursue all opportunities, Katherine's involvement in the fun day was also a chance to help her fundraising efforts.

Corporate Cabs owner-driver, Noel Knight, from Howick, says many of the kids who came on Sunday were bravely battling serious illnesses that affect them and also impact their families and those close to them.

"This was an opportunity for us to provide them with a unique and enjoyable experience that we hope will help them forget their sickness and pain, even if just for a short time."

Auckland Airport's general manager corporate affairs, Charles Spillane, says the fun day has become a special event for the airport, and is delighted it has become an annual fixture at Auckland Airport.

"We are lucky here at the airport that there is always a lot going on and so much to see, so we could make this a great day to remember for the kids and their families," he says.

The children were nominated by the four organisations, which all work to make children's lives better.

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