What's Happening in Calgary, AB…

Part of Canada’s aviation history will soon come alive in Calgary, thanks in no small part to the dedicated efforts of local enthusiasts.

The Mosquito Aircraft Preservation Society president Richard De Boer told the Calgary Sun that the group met its two year $800,000 fundraising goal ahead of time, and that the city will match that amount.

The funds will be used to restore two vintage World War Two era planes. The first is a de Haviland Mosquito bomber, and the second is a Hawker Hurricane. Both planes have been in storage for almost 50 years.

The money was raised through a variety of efforts, with the final push being an appeal to the Society’s members themselves. Over 77% donated an average of $100, which made a big difference. The group also received a grant from the Calgary foundation, which contributed $60,000 to the cause.

The restorations will be done in two different locations. The Mosquito will be worked on by a team of volunteers at the Bomber Command Museum of Canada in Nanton, while the Hurricane will restored by the Historical Aviation Services in Wetaskiwin.

A project like this gives city residents and visitors alike a chance to reconnect with their historic roots. A printing company can be hired to create signage that will be displayed at the final home of the restored aircraft; this can give mechanical details about the planes, as well as information about their history and use during the Second World War.