Community Rallies for Hope Air at Haul for Hope Event in Calgary, Raising Funds for Patients in Need of Vital Medical Care
Calgary, September 13, 2024 – The first stop of Hope Air’s 2024 Haul for Hope national event kicked off with an inspiring show of community support at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Teams from across the region gathered to pull a 67,000 lbs De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft 100 meters, a symbolic act representing the long and difficult journeys patients must take to access critical medical care.
The event saw tremendous participation, with 10 teams uniting to raise funds that will provide travel support for patients in financial need. The teams’ efforts highlighted the power of action it takes to break down barriers to healthcare access, with all proceeds directly supporting Hope Air’s mission to ensure no Canadian is left behind due to the high costs of medical travel.
Leading the pack were three teams from WestJet, Hope Air’s presenting partner in Western Canada. Led by CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech and others from across all areas of the business, team members enthusiastically pulled their own WestJet aircraft across the finish line. As a partner of Hope Air for over 25 years, WestJet has been dedicated to removing barriers and facilitating critical air services that connect Canadians and families to essential medical care and treatment.
“We are honoured to be part of the first Haul for Hope event in WestJet’s hometown, Calgary,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer.” This event is a testament to our 28-year partnership with Hope Air and underscores our steadfast commitment to supporting their vital work across Canada. Together, we continue to make a significant difference by providing essential flights and support to Canadians in need of vital medical care.”
Joining WestJet was the YYC Calgary Airport Authority team, alongside De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s crew, who played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Each team pulled with strength and determination, embodying the spirit that drives Hope Air’s work.
Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air, expressed his gratitude: “We are beyond thankful for the incredible support from WestJet, YYC, De Havilland, and all the teams who came together today. Their efforts will make a significant difference in the lives of Canadians who face barriers to accessing essential healthcare due to financial constraints.”
The funds raised by participating teams will enable Hope Air to continue offering free flights, accommodations, and ground transportation to those in need, ensuring that access to healthcare remains a right, not a privilege.
About Hope Air:
Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing free travel, accommodations, meals, and ground transportation for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home. Since 1986, Hope Air has arranged over 200,000 travel supports, ensuring that distance and cost are not barriers to healthcare access.
Patient Impact Statistics:
Hope Air would like to thank all sponsors, hosts and partners including:
Hope Air Media Contact:
Jodi Lumsden
Director, Marketing Communications
647-688-5634
jlumsden@hopeair.ca
WestJet Media Contact:
Media@westjet.com
The event saw tremendous participation, with 10 teams uniting to raise funds that will provide travel support for patients in financial need. The teams’ efforts highlighted the power of action it takes to break down barriers to healthcare access, with all proceeds directly supporting Hope Air’s mission to ensure no Canadian is left behind due to the high costs of medical travel.
Leading the pack were three teams from WestJet, Hope Air’s presenting partner in Western Canada. Led by CEO, Alexis von Hoensbroech and others from across all areas of the business, team members enthusiastically pulled their own WestJet aircraft across the finish line. As a partner of Hope Air for over 25 years, WestJet has been dedicated to removing barriers and facilitating critical air services that connect Canadians and families to essential medical care and treatment.
“We are honoured to be part of the first Haul for Hope event in WestJet’s hometown, Calgary,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer.” This event is a testament to our 28-year partnership with Hope Air and underscores our steadfast commitment to supporting their vital work across Canada. Together, we continue to make a significant difference by providing essential flights and support to Canadians in need of vital medical care.”
Joining WestJet was the YYC Calgary Airport Authority team, alongside De Havilland Aircraft of Canada’s crew, who played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Each team pulled with strength and determination, embodying the spirit that drives Hope Air’s work.
Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air, expressed his gratitude: “We are beyond thankful for the incredible support from WestJet, YYC, De Havilland, and all the teams who came together today. Their efforts will make a significant difference in the lives of Canadians who face barriers to accessing essential healthcare due to financial constraints.”
The funds raised by participating teams will enable Hope Air to continue offering free flights, accommodations, and ground transportation to those in need, ensuring that access to healthcare remains a right, not a privilege.
About Hope Air:
Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing free travel, accommodations, meals, and ground transportation for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home. Since 1986, Hope Air has arranged over 200,000 travel supports, ensuring that distance and cost are not barriers to healthcare access.
Patient Impact Statistics:
- Without Hope Air, 87% of patients felt they had no other travel options.
- 48% would have to travel 9-13+ hours each way for care.
- 65% would have gone into debt to manage travel costs, and 25% would have to borrow money.
Hope Air would like to thank all sponsors, hosts and partners including:
- WestJet as presenting partner in Western Canada.
- Porter as supporting partner in Toronto.
- YVR as host and site presenting sponsor in Vancouver, hosted at Signature Aviation on September 20.
- Aon, Plusgrade and Uber Canada as Gold Sponsors.
- Nieuport Aviation, Infinite Investment Systems, Odlum Brown, and NAV Canada as Silver Sponsors.
- YYC and Million Air as hosts in Calgary on September 12.
- KF Centre for Excellence and YLW as hosts in Kelowna on September 18.
- Nieuport Aviation and PortsToronto as hosts at YTZ in Toronto on September 28.
Hope Air Media Contact:
Jodi Lumsden
Director, Marketing Communications
647-688-5634
jlumsden@hopeair.ca
WestJet Media Contact:
Media@westjet.com