ALS Canada Brings the Eighth Annual Plane Pull to End ALS to Billy Bishop Airport

The October 20, 2018, event is an opportunity for corporate teams to pull a 37,000-lb plane 100 meters and raise funds to support a future without ALS.

TORONTO, Sept. 17, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, ALS Canada is excited to announce that the eighth annual Plane Pull to End ALS will take place at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on Saturday, October 20.  Hosted by comedian Justin Landry, this signature fundraising event challenges teams of 10-12 people to work together to pull a 37,000-lb Porter Airlines plane ? by hand ? 100 meters to raise funds for ALS Canada. 

Last year's winning team pulled the plane in just 44 seconds. This year's fundraising goal is $90,000 and net proceeds from the event will be invested in community-based support, advocacy and research for a future without ALS.

"The Plane Pull for ALS is an incredibly unique, team-building experience and an opportunity for the corporate community to rally behind a cause that is so in need of support ? ALS is a terminal disease of progressive paralysis with no cure, it steals lives within two to five years of diagnosis," said Tammy Moore, CEO, ALS Canada. "This new partnership with Porter Airlines and PortsToronto will give our highly-motivated teams a first-class experience like no other and at the same time they will be making a difference."  

For the first time ever, the Plane Pull will offer participants a rare opportunity to experience Billy Bishop Airport as they never have before. Starting at 8:00 am Saturday morning, teams will be given their security and safety briefing as they are shuttled across the runway to the event area. Once airside, the 10-person teams will be assembled, rope in hand to pull a Porter Airlines plane as fast as they can. As they return to the terminal, the event will continue until 1:30 pm with awards, prizes, food and music with DJ Docta. 

"Every plane pull needs a plane, and we're able to contribute this, along with the support of our team members," said Robert Deluce, President and CEO, Porter Airlines. "This is an ideal event for Porter to get involved with at our home airport." 

"We are thrilled to partner with ALS Canada and host the organization's eighth annual Plane Pull to End ALS at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport," said Geoffrey Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, PortsToronto. "PortsToronto is looking forward to participating in the Plane Pull and cheering on all the teams who will be pulling together to raise funds to end ALS."

Media are invited to cover this worthy event and have the chance to be on-site at Billy Bishop Airport. Interviews are also available in advance with spokespeople Tammy Moore, CEO ALS Canada; Dr. David Taylor, VP of Research, ALS Canada; returning team captain Lolo Lam of Equitable Bank, a sponsor of the event; and host Justin Landry. 

Limited media opportunities are available on-site to cover/photograph the event. 

Registration for the Plane Pull is almost full and only a few spots remain for teams of 10-12 people each. Visit als.ca/planepull to sign up your team and begin fundraising. You can also support an existing team or make a one-time donation. Attendance at this exclusive event is limited only to those who have entered teams.

The Plane Pull to End ALS is sponsored by Equitable Bank, Porter Airlines and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. 

For more information and updates leading up to the Plane Pull, visit als.ca and find the Plane Pull on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @ALSCanada using #ALSPlanePull

ABOUT ALS CANADA Founded in 1977, the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) and our provincial partners are dedicated to supporting Canadians living with ALS and investing in research to make ALS a treatable, not terminal, disease. We are a registered charity that receives no government funding ? all of our services and research are funded through the generosity of our donors. Through the ALS Canada Research Program, we fund peer-reviewed research grants, foster collaboration and build capacity within Canada's ALS research community and participate in new areas of research where we are well-positioned to have an impact. Within Ontario, ALS Canada has a role similar to that of the provincial ALS societies providing services and support to help meet the needs of people living with ALS. ALS Canada advocates federally, as well as provincially and locally within Ontario, for better government support and access within the healthcare system for people touched by ALS. www.als.ca

SOURCE ALS Canada