By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
This past Saturday morning, Hamilton Airport was buzzing with excitement as United Way Halton and Hamilton (UWHH) launched their 2024 fundraising campaign with the 6th Annual UPS Plane Pull. Sixty teams, including five kids’ teams, gathered to pull a 200,000-pound aircraft, all in the name of raising funds for the community.
The goal for this year? An impressive $12.5 million. With over $217,000 raised by 10 a.m., the day started with tremendous momentum, surpassing the early goal of $150,000 in just two hours despite an unexpected delay due to dense fog.
The plane, scheduled to land at Hamilton Airport at 9:00 a.m., had to circle above before being diverted to Buffalo to refuel. Once the aircraft finally touched down, the competition started, and the teams were ready to pull with even more enthusiasm.
The teams pulled with remarkable speed and strength, setting impressive times. The top three fastest teams to pull the airbus across the tarmac for fifty feet were KPMG, who managed the feat in just 16.67 seconds; Baseline TO Brilliance, with a time of 16.88 seconds; and the MCRC Mavericks, who took only 17.12 seconds to cross that fifty-foot line.
Participants were also recognized for their fundraising efforts. According to UWHH, this year’s top three fundraising teams were Team CHCH Evening News, who raised a whopping $12,127; Acclaim Health, with an impressive $10,320 raised; and PCL Constructors CAMH in a close third with $10,225.
Finally, the top three community fundraisers this year were Susan McDonald, Melissa Cameron, and Shawn Kitt.
Thanks to all of the teams and fundraisers, United Way Halton and Hamilton are thrilled to announce they have now raised over $221,500 from this event, for a truly inspiring kickstart to their annual campaign.
United Way is also excited to announce the return of the Local Love Community Match this year. For every $4 donated, an additional $1 is added to the gift, thanks to a group of generous community members and local corporations. This means every dollar stretches further, directly impacting over 170 agencies that help more than 200,000 people in Halton and Hamilton.
Brad Park, CEO of United Way Halton and Hamilton, captured the spirit of the event: “This year’s theme, United in Action, is all about turning compassion into tangible results. We’re coming off the success of last year’s $12.5 million campaign, and the energy today shows just how committed our community is to doing it again.”
Pulling planes in heels
Among the most talked-about participants was the dynamic duo of Sara Ernest and Kara Kennish, members of Team Pulverizer, who made a memorable entrance by pulling the plane in heels.
“Our team captain specifically said ‘no heels,’ so naturally, we showed up in stilettos,” Ernest laughed. Despite the playful rebellion, Ernest completed two full plane pulls in those very heels, making a bold statement in both style and fundraising.
Ernest, the founder of Ernest For Good, a company that energizes fundraising efforts and helps nonprofits build unapologetically bold brands, brought a special spark to the event. Her commitment to United Way’s cause matched her passion for standing out and pushing boundaries — all in the name of community support.
Dressed in colorful capes, Homeward Bound Heroes looked every bit the superheroes they were. Representing Home Suite Hope, a program that supports homeless single mothers, the team made its debut appearance at the plane pull. The program provides crucial resources to single parents and their children, helping them transition from poverty to stability.
Sara Cumming, executive director of Home Suite Hope, reflected on the experience: “We felt like true heroes today. Pulling the plane together symbolized the strength and hope we help build for families in need.”
For Shanniel Cameron, this year’s plane pull wasn’t just about raising funds — it was about showing her 4-year-old son that with hard work, anything is possible. Representing Acclaim Health, Cameron had been preparing for the event by lifting 70-pound dumbbells. Her dedication paid off as she confidently joined her team in pulling the plane.
Cameron’s son cheered her on from the sidelines, watching his mom take on the incredible challenge. “I want him to see that if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it,” she said, proud of the example she was setting. Acclaim Health, an organization funded by United Way, provides vital services including community support, nursing, and personal care, and Cameron’s team fittingly wore bumblebee costumes, symbolizing their hardworking nature.
Acclaim Health, kicking off the pulls for the day, set the tone for a fun yet determined event that brought together people from all corners of the community.
The Plane Pull was more than just hard work and raising funds. Families enjoyed a variety of activities, including bouncy castles, face painting, a dunk tank, and a fun spin-the-wheel game hosted by RBC. DJ Quantum Sound, an in-kind sponsor, kept the energy high throughout the day with leg-shaking and head-bobbing tunes, while major sponsors UPS, RBC, TD, and Cogeco helped make the event a true community success.
The Plane Pull event serves as the signature kickoff for United Way Halton and Hamilton’s annual fundraising campaign. This highly anticipated event brings together hundreds of community members to raise funds and awareness for vital social services. Every team that pulls the plane, whether or not they are the fastest or raise the most money, is contributing to a larger goal: supporting the vulnerable in our communities.
Participants pull that 200,000-pound plane in friendly competition, but they also pull together as a community. Each team must raise a minimum of $100 per adult, with kids joining in for just $10 to pull a smaller aircraft. These funds directly support programs across Halton and Hamilton that tackle issues like food insecurity, housing, mental health, and youth mentorship.
United In action: turning compassion into results
As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the spirit of unity had fueled the day’s success. With donations already surpassing expectations and the Local Love Community Match adding even more power to every dollar, the United Way campaign is off to an incredible start.
Whether pulling planes in heels, dressing as superheroes, or watching from the sidelines while cheering on dedicated parents like Shanniel Cameron, every participant played a part in making this year’s campaign launch a memorable and impactful event. With the community coming together to raise $12.5 million, United Way is well on its way to turning compassion into action, helping thousands of individuals and families in need across Halton and Hamilton.
This is just the beginning of what promises to be another transformative year for United Way Halton & Hamilton—and for everyone they support.
