Musqueam Territory / Richmond, B.C (September 16, 2025): Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Hope Air announce today more than $120,000 was raised during the third annual Haul for Hope event at YVR.

Twenty teams compromised of employees YVR and businesses across the airport and Metro Vancouver each set out to raise funds for Hope Air, and on September 16, came together to compete for the fastest time in pulling a Q400 aircraft 75 metres. The aircraft, provided by sponsor WestJet, weighs more than 67,000 lbs. Both YVR North Runway Renegades and Kiewit FodFathers teams pulled the plane in 22 seconds, becoming the shared 2025 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 incredibly grateful to our hosts at YVR and to all of the teams who joined us for the third annual Haul for Hope in Vancouver,” said Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air. “The energy, teamwork, and generosity on display will have a direct impact on patients and families who rely on Hope Air to access life-saving medical care far from home.”

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.

“Without Hope Air I would have gone further into debt, trying to pay for medical flights, accommodations, and travel expenses. They have lifted a huge weight off my shoulders while I battle cancer. I couldn’t be more thankful for them,” says Jennifer, Hope Air patient from Terrace, BC.

Of all funds raised during the Haul for Hope event, YVR contributed $50,000 and matched all funds raised by its six employee teams, for a total donation of over $95,000.

“At YVR we understand the critical importance of access to healthcare in building strong, resilient communities, and in a province as geographically large and diverse as British Columbia, the aviation sector plays a key role in connecting those communities with the medical care that people need. We are proud of YVR’s 14-year partnership with Hope Air and their incredible work helping ensure patients and their families from around the province have access to healthcare regardless of where they live,” said Tamara Vrooman, President and CEO at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). “My sincere thanks to those participating in this year’s event for demonstrating the spirit of our aviation community and to everyone who donated to this very worthwhile cause.”

“WestJet is proud to further cement our partnership with Hope Air as the Presenting Sponsor for Haul for Hope across Western Canada, including here in Vancouver,” said Jacqui McGillivray, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief People Officer. “Since 2007, WestJet and Hope Air have worked together to Canadians are able to access vital medical care without financial barriers. Today, we are proud to renew our commitment to ensuring air travel is accessible to all Canadians in their time of need.”

As part of its commitments to the communities it serves, YVR is proud to partner with Hope Air in delivering critical access to healthcare for rural and remote Canadians. This partnership exemplifies YVR’s role in fostering connectivity and supporting the wellbeing of those who rely on us in their most vulnerable moments.

Last year, Hope Air completed more than 45,000 travel arrangements with YVR handling more than 62%. The number of travel arrangements is expected to reach almost 50,000 by the end of 2025.

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.

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