Overland Journey in a Balloon for the World’s Kids

Hot air balloon pilot Andrew Parker, 30, is attempting a four-year overland journey across more than 100 countries, in which he aims to raise awareness and US$1 million for the UNICEF Flying High for Kids World Balloon Project.

Originally from Hamilton, Parker’s multi-coloured balloon was launched from New Zealand in December last year after years of planning.

Now on to his second country, Parker floated into Grafton in New South Wales this week to give a demonstration to South Grafton Primary School students, who have been following his progress and researching UNICEF projects all year.

Parker plans to visit a number of schools worldwide, and said it was great to bring some excitement to children who may not have seen a hot air balloon before.

“I’m especially looking forward to getting to central Asia, I think a lot of the schools I visit will have never seen a hot air balloon,” he said.

Parker hopes to be in Turkey by the end of the year.

Original article by Clair Morton, The Daily Examiner, March 5, 2014.