Float plane fund-raiser raises $6K for city SPCA

Mark Corbett
Daily News

July 8, 2005

A unique fund-raising project involving the Nanaimo SPCA and Amigo Airways has resulted in more than $6,000 being raised to further the cause of animal welfare in the city.

For $29, people were invited to take a 20-minute scenic flight aboard an Amigo Airways float plane on June 26.

The event also featured a silent auction, with 45 local companies donating items such as B.C. Lions tickets, food, bikes and other prizes.

Approximately $2,000 was raised from the auction, with the rest coming from the donated Amigo flights.

Brenda Hanna from Amigo said her entire staff was involved with the project on a volunteer basis. The event took two and a half months to plan, and was definitely successful -- flights left constantly between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. that day.

"I'm glad for the SPCA, since this is one of their largest fund-raisers for the year," Hanna said. "Everyone was just fantastic and there were lots of animals on site, which made it fun."

Hanna said about 40% of the people who showed up for the discounted flight had never flown before, including a 97-year-old woman, who reportedly loved the experience.

In a fortunate coincidence, the SPCA event had a happy ending for one small animal. An injured dog was found floating in the harbour. It was rescued and treated by SPCA staff.