Wirraway
30th Sep 2004, 14:45
virginblue.com.au
VIRGIN BLUE MEN FLEX THEIR PECS FOR KIDS CHARITY
BUFF BOYS LAUNCH VIRGIN BLUE’S FIRST EVER CALENDAR
30 September 2004: Virgin Blue will today set pulses soaring sky high when it launches its first ever charity calendar in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall at noon.
The low fare airline has produced a sexy 2005 calendar to raise money for one of its favourite charities, Camp Quality, which provides much needed time out and good cheer for children living with an illness.
The 2005 Calendar features 18 Virgin Blue men from ports across the country including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney who were nominated by their secret admirer colleagues. The blushing boys include Virgin Blue pilots, cabin crew, pit crew, office staff, senior managers, guest services and an engineer.
Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger said, “The Calendar came about thanks to a number of staff who thought it would be a fun way to do some fundraising. The majority of suggestions came from male team members who figured it was about time Virgin Blue boys got some attention.”
With a limited budget, the airline tapped into the talents of its own team who volunteered their time and efforts to turn the concept into reality. Not only did the Men of Virgin Blue lend themselves to the cause but the photography was done by Cabin Supervisor, Alex Kennison, who is also a professional photographer. The make-up and hair was done by Kim Skilton who is Virgin Blue’s Media and Campaign Specialist.
“It was very tough being dragged out of the office to smear baby oil on the men but it was for a great cause so I managed to make myself available for the two day shoot”, Kim Skilton said.
All the styling and creative concepts were also done in-house, with graphic design and production the only two aspects outsourced.
Amanda Bolger continued, “We wanted the calendar to reflect what Virgin is all about….cheeky, fun and value for money and we shot all the images at the airport to give it a sexy aviation theme. We were very fortunate to have such a great and diverse bunch of guys who were willing to put up with having cold water splashed over them in the middle of winter and grease smeared over their face, all while being watched by bemused Virgin Blue Guests and colleagues.”
While some of the men were initially a little shy about baring their chests, they quickly whipped off their shirts when told all funds raised would be going to Camp Quality.
Mr. Cover and Bonus month, Cabin Supervisor, Matty Brett was one of the first to agree to be part of the shoot and showed good grace when asked to sit still for half an hour while a “tattoo” was applied to his chest before perching precariously off the end of a ladder on the tarmac wearing brief Jocko underwear.
He said, “Facing up to the camera was hardly a bleep on the radar when you compare it to the amazing bravery of the kids that go to Camp Quality. We think it’s definitely worth being ribbed by our workmates and hope the calendar helps as many kids as possible.”
CEO of Camp Quality, Simon Rountree, said, “We are thrilled to be the nominated Charity for the inaugural Virgin Blue Calendar. Our organisations share a wonderful philosophy of ‘Fun Therapy’ and believe that ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. The funds raised will go towards bringing together 1,000 Camp Quality children from every corner of Australia to one big camp – which is planned for 2006.”
The Men of Virgin Blue calendar goes on sale today on Virgin Blue’s website www.virginblue.com.au for $9.95 and will also be available on all Virgin Blue flights for the next few months.
Today’s launch in Brisbane’s Queen Street mall will include a special performance by singer Hayley Aiken, as well as a parade featuring the Men of Virgin Blue and Camp Quality kids. The event is being hosted by Brisbane 97.3FM radio
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VIRGIN BLUE MEN FLEX THEIR PECS FOR KIDS CHARITY
BUFF BOYS LAUNCH VIRGIN BLUE’S FIRST EVER CALENDAR
30 September 2004: Virgin Blue will today set pulses soaring sky high when it launches its first ever charity calendar in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall at noon.
The low fare airline has produced a sexy 2005 calendar to raise money for one of its favourite charities, Camp Quality, which provides much needed time out and good cheer for children living with an illness.
The 2005 Calendar features 18 Virgin Blue men from ports across the country including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney who were nominated by their secret admirer colleagues. The blushing boys include Virgin Blue pilots, cabin crew, pit crew, office staff, senior managers, guest services and an engineer.
Virgin Blue spokesperson Amanda Bolger said, “The Calendar came about thanks to a number of staff who thought it would be a fun way to do some fundraising. The majority of suggestions came from male team members who figured it was about time Virgin Blue boys got some attention.”
With a limited budget, the airline tapped into the talents of its own team who volunteered their time and efforts to turn the concept into reality. Not only did the Men of Virgin Blue lend themselves to the cause but the photography was done by Cabin Supervisor, Alex Kennison, who is also a professional photographer. The make-up and hair was done by Kim Skilton who is Virgin Blue’s Media and Campaign Specialist.
“It was very tough being dragged out of the office to smear baby oil on the men but it was for a great cause so I managed to make myself available for the two day shoot”, Kim Skilton said.
All the styling and creative concepts were also done in-house, with graphic design and production the only two aspects outsourced.
Amanda Bolger continued, “We wanted the calendar to reflect what Virgin is all about….cheeky, fun and value for money and we shot all the images at the airport to give it a sexy aviation theme. We were very fortunate to have such a great and diverse bunch of guys who were willing to put up with having cold water splashed over them in the middle of winter and grease smeared over their face, all while being watched by bemused Virgin Blue Guests and colleagues.”
While some of the men were initially a little shy about baring their chests, they quickly whipped off their shirts when told all funds raised would be going to Camp Quality.
Mr. Cover and Bonus month, Cabin Supervisor, Matty Brett was one of the first to agree to be part of the shoot and showed good grace when asked to sit still for half an hour while a “tattoo” was applied to his chest before perching precariously off the end of a ladder on the tarmac wearing brief Jocko underwear.
He said, “Facing up to the camera was hardly a bleep on the radar when you compare it to the amazing bravery of the kids that go to Camp Quality. We think it’s definitely worth being ribbed by our workmates and hope the calendar helps as many kids as possible.”
CEO of Camp Quality, Simon Rountree, said, “We are thrilled to be the nominated Charity for the inaugural Virgin Blue Calendar. Our organisations share a wonderful philosophy of ‘Fun Therapy’ and believe that ‘Laughter is the best medicine’. The funds raised will go towards bringing together 1,000 Camp Quality children from every corner of Australia to one big camp – which is planned for 2006.”
The Men of Virgin Blue calendar goes on sale today on Virgin Blue’s website www.virginblue.com.au for $9.95 and will also be available on all Virgin Blue flights for the next few months.
Today’s launch in Brisbane’s Queen Street mall will include a special performance by singer Hayley Aiken, as well as a parade featuring the Men of Virgin Blue and Camp Quality kids. The event is being hosted by Brisbane 97.3FM radio
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