Donate
Apply for Travel

Bruce Henderson, Volunteer Hope Air Pilot

Bruce Henderson was a dedicated volunteer pilot for eight Hope Air missions from 2006 to 2009, embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion.

His love of flying and his commitment to helping others defined his time with Hope Air. Bruce went above and beyond, using his skills and passion to ensure that those in need could access essential medical care through free flights.

Bruce’s dedication to Hope Air was not just about flying – it was about the people he served. He believed in making a difference in the lives of others, one flight at a time.

His contributions touched the lives of those he flew and will remain a testament to his kindness and selflessness.

When paying tribute to Bruce with a donation to Hope Air, you help Canadians who will hear the words “treatment is not available here” in their lifetime and ensure that every patient can focus on what matters most: their health.

Where you live should not determine if you live

For many Canadians facing serious health issues, getting the care they need isn’t as easy as you’d expect. Vital medical appointments and treatments are often far from home.

At Hope Air, we believe that all Canadians should have access to the healthcare they need, regardless of where you live or if you can’t afford to travel. Which is why we’re committed to easing the stress of getting there by providing families, from coast to coast, with free flights and accommodations.

Turning hope into reality

Hope Air’s Volunteer Pilot Program (VPP) combines aviation and volunteerism to help those who need it the most.

Since 1999, our pilots have transported thousands of Canadians from more remote communities to vital medical appointments that are difficult and costly to access.

Combining their passion for aviation with a desire to help patients in need, our volunteer pilots are at the core of what makes the VPP so meaningful to Canadians.

Hope Air is not an airline. We're a lifeline.

Better Health

Reed, Calgary, AB

Reed was born with half a heart. Courtney, his mom, first learned about Reed’s diagnosis before he was born.

“The doctors told me that without the surgery, Reed wouldn’t live to be ten days old. At first, it didn’t even register that I would need to travel to Edmonton. I just knew that whatever he needed, I was willing to do.”

At five days old, Reed had his first open-heart surgery. Thankfully, after travelling for several additional heart surgeries, Reed has now turned a corner and is feeling much better.

Reduced Poverty

Paisley and Simon, Regina, SK

Paisley (10) and Simon (4) were born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic bone disease that causes bones to fracture & break easily, often with no obvious cause or minimal injury.

They travel from Regina, SK to The Shriners Hospital for Children Canada in Montreal for specialized treatment.

“Families living with medical conditions that require travelling for treatment are often already paying for medications, treatment, and specialized care for their children. Without Hope Air, many families may not be able to afford to travel for treatment.”

Stronger Communities

Adam, Castlegar, BC

At 39, Adam felt a persistent ache in his abdomen and deep exhaustion. A liver ultrasound revealed a hemangioma.

It took over a year to find a surgeon willing to perform the liver resection he needed at Vancouver General Hospital—600 km from his home in Castlegar, BC.

After surgery, he developed sarcoidosis and now lives with chronic pain, relying on 13 specialists for answers and relief.

“I have kids and a career that I was instantly scared of loosing and being away from everyoneI Thank you to all of you”