PR: 36063

17 January 2014

Sky's the limit for charity fundraiser

 Pictured left to right are Dave McElroy and Chris Elgar with the plane that they will fly
around the world in Project FlyRTW80.

Philanthropic adventurers are being called upon to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take to the skies for charity in an exotic escapade.

The 80 day adventure will start in Toronto on May 12, 2014,and re-launch from Perth, Scotland on May 19. From there it will route through Continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Polynesia, the USA, Central & South America and Canada before finishing up in Perth, Scotland.

Participants will fly partway around the world as a member-sponsor ofProject FlyRTW80, a "Round the World in 80 Days" sky voyage benefitting two life-saving causes.

Organised by Dave McElroy, chairman of the Scottish Aero Club, and his partner Chris Elgar of Burlington, Ontario, the round-the-world flight is raising funds for two charities: Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) and SickKids Foundation of Toronto.

Pilots and non-pilots alike will have the chance to fly as either co-pilot or passenger in the single-engine Piper Comanche with Dave, who recently retired as vice president of Stirlingshire-based wood panel manufacturer Norbord Europe Ltd.

"It's a genuine once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel the world as never before, and a great opportunity to raise funds for two worthwhile causes."

Dave will fly the full route during the three month journey. His fellow pilot Chris Elgar, who owns the aircraft, will join for part of the journey in addition to furnishing the aircraft.

Chris said: "Dave and I are thrilled to be organising this exciting adventure. We are well on our way to raising impressive sums for both charities, whose work improves and saves lives on both sides of the Atlantic. This is a truly international - and intercontinental - project in several dimensions.

"With almost 3,000 flight hours logged across both Europe and the Americas, Dave has extensive experience. Our fellow flyers can be assured they're in competent hands.

"I would encourage anyone with a love of travelling to sign up for this amazing opportunity and dig deep to help raise much-needed funds for SCAA and SickKids."

To take part in Project FlyRTW80, you must have sufficient time to dedicate to flying one of the routes (likely about 2 weeks), be in good health, weigh no more than 95 kg and have a current passport.

Participants are required to make a meaningful donation to one of the two charities.

For further information on Norbord, please call 01786 812 225 or visitwww.norbord.co.uk.

-ends-

With compliments:
Alison Relf
Taylor Alden Ltd
Unit 2, Temple Place
247 The Broadway
London
SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
Email: alison@tayloralden.co.uk