Hope Air Brings Annual Haul for Hope Event to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
September 13, 2024 – Hope Air is thrilled to announce the Vancouver stop of its annual Haul for Hope plane pull event, supported by presenting sponsors Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and WestJet. On September 20, 2024, teams from across the region will gather at YVR’s South Airport to take on the challenge of pulling a 67,000 lb WestJet plane 100 meters. The effort is a powerful symbol of the journey many Hope Air patients must undertake to access critical medical care far from home.
This year’s event marks a significant shift from 2023, where participants pulled YVR’s iconic Red Nine firetruck, weighing nearly 60,000 lbs. WestJet’s involvement in September illustrates the growing support for Hope Air’s mission, and participants will face an even greater challenge reflecting the real-life obstacles faced by patients who must overcome the barriers of distance and cost to receive the healthcare they need. Moving airside with this year’s strength and fundraising challenge allows participating teams to view YVR’s operations from a unique vantage point near the South Terminal, thanks to host site Signature Aviation.
Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air, emphasized the importance of the event: “Haul for Hope is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve together. The plane pull represents the struggles our patients face, but it also highlights the incredible support of our community. With the backing of WestJet and YVR, our most significant airport in terms of both patient travel and financial support, we’re ensuring that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing critical healthcare.”
Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport noted she is proud to continue to support Hope Air and host the annual Haul for Hope event at YVR. “Our airport plays an essential role in facilitating access to vital health services in the Metro Vancouver region. Last year alone, Hope Air operated approximately 4,500 flights to and from YVR with patients in need of medical care and this initiative helps make those essential trips possible,” Vrooman said. “I extend my gratitude to airport staff – and every Sea Island worker – participating in the event this year. Thanks for both the physical and fundraising muscle you’re dedicating to this life-saving initiative.”
We invite everyone to join us in supporting Hope Air’s mission to ensure that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing essential healthcare services. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most.
Event Details:
Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Vancouver International Airport (YVR), South Airport, Signature Aviation
Time: 9AM-2PM
Photo Opportunity (10:00AM): Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air; YVR Spokesperson
For more information on Haul for Hope and to register your team, visit www.hopeair.ca/haul.
Background:
Haul for Hope is a fundraising event in support of Hope Air, Canada’s only national charity providing free travel support through flights, accommodations, meals, and ground transportation for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home. Since its inception in 1986, Hope Air has provided more than 200,000 travel arrangements for patients, regardless of age or medical need.
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.
The charity is pursuing new avenues for fundraising in response to an overwhelming increase in demand. After fulfilling 24,998 travel arrangements in 2023, a 144% increase over 2022 and record for the charity, Hope Air is on track to provide more than 40,000 travel supports in 2024.
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.
De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, 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
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 its inception in 1986, Hope Air has provided more than 200,000 travel arrangements for patients regardless of age or medical need.
For people living on a low income in small and rural communities, distance and cost are very real barriers to them accessing vital medical care. Hope Air is a unique and essential part of our Canadian healthcare system. Without the access Hope Air provides, our national system of universal healthcare coverage would fall short of its promise.
Hope Air is accredited by Imagine Canada’s Standards. This accreditation validates our commitment to good governance and transparency. For more information, visit hopeair.ca.
This year’s event marks a significant shift from 2023, where participants pulled YVR’s iconic Red Nine firetruck, weighing nearly 60,000 lbs. WestJet’s involvement in September illustrates the growing support for Hope Air’s mission, and participants will face an even greater challenge reflecting the real-life obstacles faced by patients who must overcome the barriers of distance and cost to receive the healthcare they need. Moving airside with this year’s strength and fundraising challenge allows participating teams to view YVR’s operations from a unique vantage point near the South Terminal, thanks to host site Signature Aviation.
Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air, emphasized the importance of the event: “Haul for Hope is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve together. The plane pull represents the struggles our patients face, but it also highlights the incredible support of our community. With the backing of WestJet and YVR, our most significant airport in terms of both patient travel and financial support, we’re ensuring that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing critical healthcare.”
Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport noted she is proud to continue to support Hope Air and host the annual Haul for Hope event at YVR. “Our airport plays an essential role in facilitating access to vital health services in the Metro Vancouver region. Last year alone, Hope Air operated approximately 4,500 flights to and from YVR with patients in need of medical care and this initiative helps make those essential trips possible,” Vrooman said. “I extend my gratitude to airport staff – and every Sea Island worker – participating in the event this year. Thanks for both the physical and fundraising muscle you’re dedicating to this life-saving initiative.”
We invite everyone to join us in supporting Hope Air’s mission to ensure that no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing essential healthcare services. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those who need it most.
Event Details:
Date: September 20, 2024
Location: Vancouver International Airport (YVR), South Airport, Signature Aviation
Time: 9AM-2PM
Photo Opportunity (10:00AM): Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air; YVR Spokesperson
For more information on Haul for Hope and to register your team, visit www.hopeair.ca/haul.
Background:
Haul for Hope is a fundraising event in support of Hope Air, Canada’s only national charity providing free travel support through flights, accommodations, meals, and ground transportation for Canadians in financial need who must access medical care far from home. Since its inception in 1986, Hope Air has provided more than 200,000 travel arrangements for patients, regardless of age or medical need.
Patient Impact Statistics:
The charity is pursuing new avenues for fundraising in response to an overwhelming increase in demand. After fulfilling 24,998 travel arrangements in 2023, a 144% increase over 2022 and record for the charity, Hope Air is on track to provide more than 40,000 travel supports in 2024.
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
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 its inception in 1986, Hope Air has provided more than 200,000 travel arrangements for patients regardless of age or medical need.
For people living on a low income in small and rural communities, distance and cost are very real barriers to them accessing vital medical care. Hope Air is a unique and essential part of our Canadian healthcare system. Without the access Hope Air provides, our national system of universal healthcare coverage would fall short of its promise.
Hope Air is accredited by Imagine Canada’s Standards. This accreditation validates our commitment to good governance and transparency. For more information, visit hopeair.ca.