Community Rallies for Hope Air at Haul for Hope Event in Calgary, Raising Funds for Patients in Need of Vital Medical Care
Musqueam Territory / Richmond, B.C. (September 20, 2024): Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Hope Air are proud to announce a successful completion of the second annual Haul for Hope event at YVR. Haul for Hope is a unique airplane pull fundraising event organized by Hope Air, aiming to raise crucial funds for Canadians in need of medical care far from home. This year teams raised over $120,000 for this vital medical travel assistance program.
For this event, 10 teams came together to see who could pull a WestJet Q400 airplane, weighing over 67,000 lbs 100 meters the fastest. Teams compromised of employees from YVR, Neptune Terminals, Avolta, Signature Avaiation, and more, set out to each fundraise $3,500 in support of Hope Air. The team from Signature Aviation pulled the plane in 25.03 seconds, becoming the 2024 Haul for Hope champions. The effort is a powerful symbol of the journey many Hope Air patients must undertake to access critical medical care far from home.
“We are deeply grateful to Vancouver International Airport for their unwavering support of Hope Air and the Haul for Hope event. YVR plays an essential role in ensuring that thousands of patients from underserved remote areas of British Columbia can access the critical healthcare they need in Vancouver’s hospitals. For many in remote areas travelling to medical appointments would be nearly impossible without partnerships like the one we have with YVR. Their commitment to being the connecting point for our patients ensures that all patients get the care they need regardless of where they live.” Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air.
Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing support through flights, accommodations, meal vouchers and ground transportation to Canadians in financial need, who must travel to reach medical care far from home. All funds raised from this event will go towards Hope Air’s mission of ensuring no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing critical healthcare.
“If it wasn’t for Hope Air helping us with travel and accommodations for Sawyer’s surgery at BC Children’s Hospital, we would not have been able to afford the trip, and would have had to choose another route, so believe me when I say that my family will never forget the role Hope Air played in changing my son’s life.” – Lee Drennan, dad to Hope Air patient, Sawyer
The event, generously hosted by ongoing supporter YVR, signified the challenges that Canadians seeking medical care from remote and rural communities can face when needing lifesaving healthcare.
“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,” Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at YVR 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.”
YVR’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Hope Air is deeply rooted in the shared values of serving the community, especially during their most challenging and vulnerable times. “We are honoured to play a role in ensuring that all Canadians can access critical healthcare, regardless of where they live,” said Vrooman. “Our airport remains dedicated to supporting our region, whether through facilitating travel or providing essential support when it’s needed most.”
Last year, Hope Air fulfilled over 24,000 travel arrangements in 2023, a 144% increase from the previous year. The number of travel arrangements is expected to reach over 40,000 by the end of 2024, almost doubling its previous annual record.
For the latest travel information, visit YVR.ca or follow the airport on Twitter: @YVRAirport or @YVRAeroport.
For more information please contact:
YVR Media Contact:
YVR Media Relations
604-880-9815
media_relations@yvr.ca
Hope Air Media Contact:
Jodi Lumsden
Director, Marketing Communications
647-688-5634
jlumsden@hopeair.ca
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About YVR
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
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.
For this event, 10 teams came together to see who could pull a WestJet Q400 airplane, weighing over 67,000 lbs 100 meters the fastest. Teams compromised of employees from YVR, Neptune Terminals, Avolta, Signature Avaiation, and more, set out to each fundraise $3,500 in support of Hope Air. The team from Signature Aviation pulled the plane in 25.03 seconds, becoming the 2024 Haul for Hope champions. The effort is a powerful symbol of the journey many Hope Air patients must undertake to access critical medical care far from home.
“We are deeply grateful to Vancouver International Airport for their unwavering support of Hope Air and the Haul for Hope event. YVR plays an essential role in ensuring that thousands of patients from underserved remote areas of British Columbia can access the critical healthcare they need in Vancouver’s hospitals. For many in remote areas travelling to medical appointments would be nearly impossible without partnerships like the one we have with YVR. Their commitment to being the connecting point for our patients ensures that all patients get the care they need regardless of where they live.” Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air.
Hope Air is Canada’s only national charity providing support through flights, accommodations, meal vouchers and ground transportation to Canadians in financial need, who must travel to reach medical care far from home. All funds raised from this event will go towards Hope Air’s mission of ensuring no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing critical healthcare.
“If it wasn’t for Hope Air helping us with travel and accommodations for Sawyer’s surgery at BC Children’s Hospital, we would not have been able to afford the trip, and would have had to choose another route, so believe me when I say that my family will never forget the role Hope Air played in changing my son’s life.” – Lee Drennan, dad to Hope Air patient, Sawyer
The event, generously hosted by ongoing supporter YVR, signified the challenges that Canadians seeking medical care from remote and rural communities can face when needing lifesaving healthcare.
“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,” Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at YVR 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.”
YVR’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Hope Air is deeply rooted in the shared values of serving the community, especially during their most challenging and vulnerable times. “We are honoured to play a role in ensuring that all Canadians can access critical healthcare, regardless of where they live,” said Vrooman. “Our airport remains dedicated to supporting our region, whether through facilitating travel or providing essential support when it’s needed most.”
Last year, Hope Air fulfilled over 24,000 travel arrangements in 2023, a 144% increase from the previous year. The number of travel arrangements is expected to reach over 40,000 by the end of 2024, almost doubling its previous annual record.
For the latest travel information, visit YVR.ca or follow the airport on Twitter: @YVRAirport or @YVRAeroport.
For more information please contact:
YVR Media Contact:
YVR Media Relations
604-880-9815
media_relations@yvr.ca
Hope Air Media Contact:
Jodi Lumsden
Director, Marketing Communications
647-688-5634
jlumsden@hopeair.ca
– 30 –
About YVR
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that connects people, cargo, data, and ideas and serves as a platform for our community to come together and thrive. We are motivated by supporting regional economic development and making a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. We do this with a focus on serving our passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability.
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.