Round the 'world,' solo flight in single-engine aircraft will help marginalized single-parent families succeed
On August 1st at noon, Engel & Völkers Oakville advisor Callum Wallace will embark on a Flight for Hope, lifting off from Burlington Executive Airport on a round-the-world journey in a small single-engined aircraft. The initiative will generate a substantial contribution to Canadian charity Home Suite Hope and awareness to aligned charities around the world. Home Suite Hope serves the Halton Region, supporting single-parent families in their journey from homelessness to stability and self-sufficiency.
'Callum's flight path covers these destinations: Quebec, Iqaluit, Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Wales, England, France and Spain, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, followed by touch downs in Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, and Christmas Island. The trip will end in Burlington, ON, Canada, on October 14th, before the Home for Good Gala, on November 10th.
Callum will pilot a V35B Beechcraft Bonanza modified to fly up to 18 hours from five. The customization includes additional fuel storage, making the vessel and its load heavier than usual. As a result, the margin for error is narrowed, especially when flying over the ocean. Only three Canadians have ever completed this journey, compared to 11 Canadians making the trip to outer space. He is the fourth Canadian to embark on this daring trip. Fewer than 150 people have attempted it.
"Home Suite Hope helps single-parent families get a second chance and get back on their feet — ' 'I'm incredibly grateful to be able to use my passion for flying to fundraise and give back to the community,” says Callum Wallace, pilot of Flight for Hope and advisor, Engel & Völkers Oakville.
"Flight for Hope will be hosting numerous events leading up to the August 1st departure date —locally and internationally — to foster awareness and support for the initiative. The proceeds from this event will go towards purchasing multi-unit buildings to help more families at once."
Home Suite Hope creates change through its four-year program providing homeless single parents with rental subsidies, access to childcare, transportation, two years of college education, life skills, professional development, mentorship, employment support and intensive case management. The outcomes are financial independence and long-term stability with intergenerational impact. Callum has previously worked with Home Suite Hope. In 2018 and 2019, he and his family provided property to a family enrolled in the four-year program.
"Home Suite Hope helps single-parent families overcome homelessness through our four-year program providing housing and college tuition to help the parent become independent. The cost per family is roughly $47,000 per year," says Sara Cumming PhD., Executive Director of Home Suite Hope. "One of the struggles with the current housing market is finding suitable accommodation for families in the program. ' 'That's why funds raised through Flight for Hope will go towards financing a multi-unit dwelling."
About Home Suite Hope
Home Suite Hope is a non-profit organization that supports low-income, single-parent families across Halton. Its five programs unite a network of vital wraparound supports for families as they journey from poverty to stability, permanently changing lives for the better – breaking the cycle of generational poverty - one family at a time. Home Suite ' 'Hope's programming is based on the successful replica of Toronto's WoodGreen Community Services' Homeward Bound model - a four-year, employment-based program with a two-year scholarship. It offers housing, wraparound support and opportunity for single parents to secure employment by earning a post-secondary education in programs highly employable for graduates through Sheridan College. HomeSuiteHope.org