On September 23rd, the 5th Annual UPS Plane Pull reached peak cruising altitude, taking-off and landing in style.
Eighteen teams tested their strength by pulling a Boeing 757 jet, weighing in at 127,000 pounds, across the tarmac at UPS’s hangar at YVR. The Kwantlen Polytechnic University team won with the fastest time of 21.96 seconds.
“Our team was in it to win it,” said KPU President Dr. Alan Davis. “With a challenge from our friends at Langara College and some healthy competition, we pulled with gusto and exceeded our goal to raise money for children and youth in our community.”
The teams raised $30,000 for children and youth across our communities. As a fundraiser, as well as a physical challenge, the UPS Plane Pull delivers real change. All funds raised support life-changing United Way after-school programs and initiatives for youth who have aged out of foster care.
KPU student Ashely shared her powerful story of how one program, The Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF), is helping her pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“It is because of YFEF that I feel I have an equal chance at professionally succeeding, similar to my counterparts who grew up outside of the foster care system,” she said. “Most importantly, I have the comfort of knowing there are people out there who believe and support youth in care enough to invest in our education.”
“This event really is about pulling together for community,” said Michael McKnight, President & CEO, United Way of the Lower Mainland. “UPS is an amazing community partner and we’re grateful for their generosity over the years.”
In fact, UPS across Canada has raised more than $15 million for United Way over the past 31 years.
Congratulations to the KPU team. Watch them pull the plane in the video below.
