THUNDER BAY – On Saturday residents tested their might and teamwork by pulling a 26-thousand-pound plane, all for a good cause.
The 6th annual Plane Pull, which was in partnership with Wasaya Airways, brought out hundreds of people in support of the United Way of Thunder Bay.
Sharon Smith-Baxter, communications manager with Wasaya Airways, said they have 15 teams competing to pull the plane in the fastest time.
“I had a meeting with the United Way and we were trying to think of creative and innovative ways to raise money.
“We thought we would do a Plane Pull, and all the money goes towards community initiatives with the United Way, as well as Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards.
Smith-Baxter said it has been a very popular event.
“A lot of these teams that are here this year were here last year and they signed up right away.
“We don't have a lot of new teams. It fills up really quick. We are always very excited to have them back with us.”
She said the events popularity stems from the uniqueness of pulling a plane.
It's very important to hold events like this for the community, Smith-Baxter said.
“Not only does it bring together community spirit, but it helps the programs in our city.
“The United Way is always about community initiative programs with the youth and with Indigenous Youth Achievement Awards, we recognize indigenous youth in the area for different achievements.”
She said there are a lot of youth groups participating this year, with students from DFC, Matawa School and Evergreen.
Albert Brulé, CEO United Way of Thunder Bay, said the day has been going fantastic.
“This is such a beautiful day and we have such a beautiful collection of teams representing businesses and community groups all coming together to support the Wasaya - United Way Plane Pull.”
Brulé said the teams are still fundraising. They are given an extra week to bring in the last donations.
“We're looking at well over $20,000 which is a fantastic amount of support that will go towards programs and services funded by the United Way of Thunder Bay.
“As well as the Indigenous Youth Achievement and Recognition Awards across Northwestern Ontario, recognizing the achievements of young Indigenous students for their scholastic and community efforts,” he said.
The United Way supports a variety of important services, Brulé said.
“Everything from the food bank to Shelter House to the RFDA. Mental health supports, children and youth support,” he said.
Chad Tanner, senior communications advisor with Ontario Power Generation, said this was an easy event to support for the Ontario Power Generation.
“We have a community investment program across the province of Ontario called The Power for Change Project. We like to give back to our communities to ensure that we work, live and play here.
“We want to make sure we are making a contribution and being a good corporate citizen in a community as well. Truthfully an event like this makes it easy. It's giving back to a lot of great causes, Indigenous youth, and a lot of local service agencies as well here in the community,” he said.
Tanner said this event is particularly special.
“It's giving back, all the funds raised go directly to support Indigenous youth and some of the awards that they do to bring them through the community and support them through their life journey.
“And in addition, going back to local service agencies that the United Way supports in mental health, whether it be housing or even if you get into food security, these are all priorities for OPG and our investment program itself, so it was an easy support for us.”
To support a team, or the event itself, visit United Way’s website for more information.
