Hope Air renames Volunteer of the Year Award to celebrate organization founder
(October 12, 2023) Hope Air has renamed the annual Volunteer of the Year award to honour founder Jinnie Bradshaw, whose passion to help those travelling to medical care has had a profound impact on thousands of Canadians for 37 years and counting. The renaming of the award was announced at an October 12 Vancouver reception, celebrating Hope Air’s impact in the province of British Columbia and Canada wide.
Hope Air is proud to celebrate Jinnie’s legacy at Hope Air permanently and present this award on Jinnie’s behalf to volunteers who exemplify Jinnie’s compassion and commitment to support Canadians in their journey to vital medical care.
In 1984, while working at Air Canada, Jinnie Bradshaw, learned of the Corporate Angel Network in the US which used corporate planes to get cancer patients to treatment. In 1986, Jinnie met Joan Rogers who volunteered at Princess Margaret and witnessed cancer patients travelling 15-20 hours for care. Knowing that these patients needed support, the two innovative women co-founded Mission Air Transportation Network, now Hope Air.
In November 1986, Hope Air arranged its first flight for a young New Brunswick girl who traveled to Toronto for cancer treatment. Since then, Hope Air has facilitated more than 180,000 travel arrangements. Hope Air spent the first few years hosted by the Ontario and National Divisions of Canadian Cancer Society while the organization was finding its footing and since, and for 37 years, Hope Air continues to serve more patients with enhanced programs and services. All thanks to Jinnie Bradshaw.
Hope Air is proud to celebrate Jinnie’s legacy at Hope Air permanently and present this award on Jinnie’s behalf to volunteers who exemplify Jinnie’s compassion and commitment to support Canadians in their journey to vital medical care.
In 1984, while working at Air Canada, Jinnie Bradshaw, learned of the Corporate Angel Network in the US which used corporate planes to get cancer patients to treatment. In 1986, Jinnie met Joan Rogers who volunteered at Princess Margaret and witnessed cancer patients travelling 15-20 hours for care. Knowing that these patients needed support, the two innovative women co-founded Mission Air Transportation Network, now Hope Air.
In November 1986, Hope Air arranged its first flight for a young New Brunswick girl who traveled to Toronto for cancer treatment. Since then, Hope Air has facilitated more than 180,000 travel arrangements. Hope Air spent the first few years hosted by the Ontario and National Divisions of Canadian Cancer Society while the organization was finding its footing and since, and for 37 years, Hope Air continues to serve more patients with enhanced programs and services. All thanks to Jinnie Bradshaw.