Kelowna, B.C. (September 15, 2026) – Teams from across the Okanagan came together at the KF Centre for Excellence on Tuesday for Hope Air’s Haul for Hope, raising $50,000 to help Canadians overcome the distance between home and vital medical care.
Presented by WestJet, the annual plane pull challenged teams to move a 67,000-pound aircraft 100 metres, turning some friendly competition into meaningful support for patients who must travel long distances to access specialized healthcare.
This year’s Kelowna event brought together 13 teams and over 150 participants and volunteers from local businesses, aviation and aerospace organizations, and the community.
For patients who live far from specialized treatment, the cost of getting to care can create an additional barrier. Hope Air provides free travel and accommodation support to Canadians in financial need, helping ensure that where someone lives does not determine whether they can access the healthcare they need.
The day’s top honours went to Leavitt Machinery, who were crowned the 2026 Haul for Hope Kelowna Champions, successfully defending their 2025 title.
“Seeing teams come together at the KF Centre to pull a 67,000-pound aircraft was pretty incredible.” said Chris Lapointe, Executive Director, KF Centre for Excellence. “There’s a strong aviation community here in the Okanagan, and together we’re building something bigger than ourselves. We’re incredibly proud to have hosted Haul for Hope and supported the important work Hope Air does for Canadians.”
“Every team that stepped onto the tarmac today was pulling for patients who face a much bigger challenge—the distance between home and the medical care they need,” said Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer, Hope Air. “The support we’ve seen from the Okanagan community will translate directly into flights, accommodations and other travel support that help patients get to care. We are incredibly grateful to the KF Centre for Excellence, WestJet and every team, participant and supporter who made this year’s Haul for Hope possible.”
“KF Aerospace is incredibly proud to participate in this year’s Haul for Hope and raise funds for such an important cause.” said David Fenoulhet, Engagement, Communications & Marketing Lead, KF Aerospace. “As a company, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support the communities where we live and work, and Hope Air’s mission is one that makes a very real difference for Canadians and their families.”
“We are incredibly proud of what was achieved through this year’s Haul for Hope,” said April Crane, Vice President, Communications and Engagement. “It was inspiring to see sponsors, partners, WestJetters and community members come together, roll up their sleeves, and take on the challenge of pulling one of our aircraft in support of Hope Air’s mission. Every dollar raised helps connect Canadians to the life-saving medical care and support they need, regardless of where they live.”
ABOUT KF CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE
The KF Centre for Excellence is a non-profit aviation discovery centre in Kelowna, B.C., created as a legacy project of the BPL Legacy Association. Through immersive exhibits, education, events and industry partnerships, the KF Centre brings aviation stories to life, celebrates the Okanagan’s rich aerospace history and inspires the next generation to discover the possibilities.
ABOUT HOPE AIR
Hope Air is Canada’s national charity providing free flights, accommodations, meals and ground transportation for Canadians in financial need who must travel long distances to access medical care. Since 1986, Hope Air has provided over 275,000 travel arrangements and helped ensure that where someone lives or what they can afford does not determine their access to healthcare. For more information, visit hopeair.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Emma Jones
Marketing & Communications KF Centre for Excellence
e.jones@kfcentre.ca
250-410-3756
Jodi Lumsden
Director, Marketing & Engagement
Hope Air
jlumsden@hopeair.ca
