Search Website
QUICK LINKS:
Plane Pull raises more than $50,000 for United Way Elgin Middlesex
United Way Elgin Middlesex Communications Staff
Rain couldn’t dampen the excitement at London International Airport on October 22, as more than three dozen spirited teams came together to take part in United Way Elgin Middlesex’s (UWEM) first-ever Plane Pull—raising an incredible $50,000 to support local programs and services across our region.
Teams of up to 15 people each took turns testing their strength, teamwork, and determination by pulling aircrafts across the tarmac in the fastest time possible. It was an unforgettable day of energy, teamwork, and community good.
“You’re not just pulling a plane – you’re pulling together for local impact. Every ounce of your strength, teamwork, and determination will help lift up individuals right here in London, Elgin, and Middlesex,” said Kelly Ziegner, President & CEO of United Way Elgin Middlesex. “Together, we’re helping to give everyone a fair shot at a good life.”
For this inaugural event, UWEM partnered with Western's Commercial Aviation Management (CAM)—a unique offering within the DAN Department of Management and Organizational Studies.
Jackie Book is the Director of Western’s CAM program—her connections and expertise in the airline industry laid the foundation for the event. “Giving back and serving the public good is something we instil in all our students. The CAM program was proud to be a lead partner in this event, raising funds that will help hundreds of individuals and families from food to housing to mental health care.”
Team Results & Prize Winners
- Fastest Team, Dash 8: General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada
- Fastest Team, Gulfstream: CAMI High Voltage
- Top Individual Fundraiser: Robbie Bowman, EY
- Team Spirit Award: A.B. Lucas Secondary School (The Minions!)
Congratulations to all participating teams for pulling together with purpose.
A huge thank you to our amazing participants and volunteers for making this inaugural event a success.
We also want to give special recognition to our partners and sponsors:
- London International Airport
- Air Canada Jazz
- FlightExec
- Western University – Commercial Aviation Management Program
- MFC Training
- Enbridge
- StarTech.com
- Central Sanitation
- FitClub Bootcamps
- St. John’s Ambulance
- London Police Service
- TVDSB Aviation High School
Check out the United Way Elgin Middlesex Facebook Photo Gallery for team photos, smiles, and some epic plane-pulling action! You can also catch the event highlights in the CTV News coverage.
Whether you pulled the plane, cheered from the sidelines, or donated in support, you helped make this event take off. United, we’re showing what’s possible when our community pulls in the same direction.
