Reaching new heights in 2021
At a time when the health care and travel sectors faced serious challenges posed by COVID-19, Hope Air’s resolve to help Canadians in need access vital medical care was never stronger. Our partners and donors support in 2021 helped us reach new heights by demonstrating the same compassion and determination as the patients we serve.
Our client care team focused on supporting the growing needs of our patients in terms of navigating the changing healthcare landscape. Nothing stood in our way of getting Canadians equal access to life-saving health care no matter where they live or financial situation. Hope Air widened our services, including deepening our accommodations offerings and increasing hotel-only trips for those who were not comfortable with or able to travel by aircraft.
Reaching new heights in 2021
At a time when the health care and travel sectors faced serious challenges posed by COVID-19, Hope Air’s resolve to help Canadians in need access vital medical care was never stronger. Our partners and donors support in 2021 helped us reach new heights by demonstrating the same compassion and determination as the patients we serve.
Our client care team focused on supporting the growing needs of our patients in terms of navigating the changing healthcare landscape. Nothing stood in our way of getting Canadians equal access to life-saving health care no matter where they live or financial situation. Hope Air widened our services, including deepening our accommodations offerings and increasing hotel-only trips for those who were not comfortable with or able to traveling by aircraft.
The pandemic has created a massive backlog in health care
The pandemic has created a massive backlog in health care
Roughly
have had difficulty
getting health
care services
50%
of Canadianshave had difficulty
getting health
care services
An estimated
procedures have
been canceled or
delayed
700k
surgeries andprocedures have
been canceled or
delayed
Close to
missed medical
appointments or
procedures
40%
of Canadiansmissed medical
appointments or
procedures
The need for our assistance has never been greater
With the unwavering support of our donors, we’re confident we can continue to fulfill every eligible travel request while creating new services for patients and their families. Together, we can bridge the distance between home and hospital for the growing number of Canadians on the road to wellness.
Download the full 2021 Impact Report as a PDF Here
Letter from our Chair
Letter from our Chair
David Garner
Ode to a Dream
Twelve years ago, I joined the Hope Air Board of Directors. After a 35-year career in delivering employee benefits programs, I was instantly captivated by the Hope Air mission. What better benefit is there than helping sick Canadians reach vital medical care regardless of where they live or how much money they have.
As I reflect on my time with the Board, I’m proud of the incredible growth we’ve seen – from adding commercial flights to our mix for the first time in 2010, to the addition of a thriving accommodations program in 2019 that only grew in 2021.
Now, 36 years after it began, Hope Air has facilitated more than 162,000 total travel arrangements. Our clients are the 3.2 million Canadians who live below the poverty line in communities far from the specialized health care found in large cities. Every day, your support allows the Hope Air team to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the medical care they need.
As I reflect on my time with the Board, I’m proud of the incredible growth we’ve seen – from adding commercial flights to our mix for the first time in 2010, to the addition of a thriving accommodations program in 2019 that only grew in 2021.
Now, 36 years after it began, Hope Air has facilitated more than 162,000 total travel arrangements. Our clients are the 3.2 million Canadians who live below the poverty line in communities far from the specialized health care found in large cities. Every day, your support allows the Hope Air team to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the medical care they need.
Our 2021 Impact Report shares some unforgettable stories. Without Hope Air, 35% of our patients would have to travel as much as 12 hours one way, by bus or car, to reach their medical appointments. A further 27% would have postponed or even cancelled their treatments.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Hope Air Board stands united with our donors, volunteers, partners, staff and leadership as we look for even better ways to deliver our crucial services. In fact, in recent years, Hope Air has expanded its services to include PEI bridge and ferry passes and free accommodation close to patient appointments. Soon, we will be incorporating transit to and from the airport and meal subsidies to further assist our patients.
Through my work on the Hope Air Board, I’ve been privileged to realize one of retirement’s greatest benefits: the chance to give back to a worthy cause. As an organization, we’ve encountered many challenges over the past 12 years, but the passion and dedication of our team has conquered every one of them. In 2020, despite the pandemic challenges, there were nearly 4,000 volunteer hours donated to Hope Air and its good work! That level of commitment is astounding and commendable. It is the reason for our success.
This year’s message is bittersweet for me. Soon, I will be stepping down as Chair of the Hope Air board. I’ll stay on as a Director and continue to build on 12 years of wonderful memories, a long list of good friends, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
I’m proud of what this organization does for Canadians in need, each and every day. I wish the Board every success as it continues under the capable leadership of incoming Chair Auriol Marasco. To our CEO, Mark Rubinstein, and all our donors, supporters, partners, staff and volunteers—thank you for your hard work and unparalleled dedication to Hope Air.
Together, you are truly a dream team.
Sincerely,
David Garner
Chair
Hope Air Board of Directors
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Hope Air Board stands united with our donors, volunteers, partners, staff and leadership as we look for even better ways to deliver our crucial services. In fact, in recent years, Hope Air has expanded its services to include PEI bridge and ferry passes and free accommodation close to patient appointments. Soon, we will be incorporating transit to and from the airport and meal subsidies to further assist our patients.
Through my work on the Hope Air Board, I’ve been privileged to realize one of retirement’s greatest benefits: the chance to give back to a worthy cause. As an organization, we’ve encountered many challenges over the past 12 years, but the passion and dedication of our team has conquered every one of them. In 2020, despite the pandemic challenges, there were nearly 4,000 volunteer hours donated to Hope Air and its good work! That level of commitment is astounding and commendable. It is the reason for our success.
This year’s message is bittersweet for me. Soon, I will be stepping down as Chair of the Hope Air board. I’ll stay on as a Director and continue to build on 12 years of wonderful memories, a long list of good friends, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
I’m proud of what this organization does for Canadians in need, each and every day. I wish the Board every success as it continues under the capable leadership of incoming Chair Auriol Marasco. To our CEO, Mark Rubinstein, and all our donors, supporters, partners, staff and volunteers—thank you for your hard work and unparalleled dedication to Hope Air.
Together, you are truly a dream team.
Sincerely,
David Garner
Chair
Hope Air Board of Directors
David Garner
Ode to a Dream
Twelve years ago, I joined the Hope Air Board of Directors. After a 35-year career in delivering employee benefits programs, I was instantly captivated by the Hope Air mission. What better benefit is there than helping sick Canadians reach vital medical care regardless of where they live or how much money they have.
As I reflect on my time with the Board, I’m proud of the incredible growth we’ve seen – from adding commercial flights to our mix for the first time in 2010, to the addition of a thriving accommodations program in 2019 that only grew in 2021.
Now, 36 years after it began, Hope Air has facilitated more than 162,000 total travel arrangements. Our clients are the 3.2 million Canadians who live below the poverty line in communities far from the specialized health care found in large cities. Every day, your support allows the Hope Air team to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the medical care they need.
Our 2021 Impact Report shares some unforgettable stories. Without Hope Air, 35% of our patients would have to travel as much as 12 hours one way, by bus or car, to reach their medical appointments. A further 27% would have postponed or even cancelled their treatments.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Hope Air Board stands united with our donors, volunteers, partners, staff and leadership as we look for even better ways to deliver our crucial services. In fact, in recent years, Hope Air has expanded its services to include PEI bridge and ferry passes and free accommodation close to patient appointments. Soon, we will be incorporating transit to and from the airport and meal subsidies to further assist our patients.
Through my work on the Hope Air Board, I’ve been privileged to realize one of retirement’s greatest benefits: the chance to give back to a worthy cause. As an organization, we’ve encountered many challenges over the past 12 years, but the passion and dedication of our team has conquered every one of them. In 2020, despite the pandemic challenges, there were nearly 4,000 volunteer hours donated to Hope Air and its good work! That level of commitment is astounding and commendable. It is the reason for our success.
This year’s message is bittersweet for me. Soon, I will be stepping down as Chair of the Hope Air board. I’ll stay on as a Director and continue to build on 12 years of wonderful memories, a long list of good friends, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
I’m proud of what this organization does for Canadians in need, each and every day. I wish the Board every success as it continues under the capable leadership of incoming Chair Auriol Marasco. To our CEO, Mark Rubinstein, and all our donors, supporters, partners, staff and volunteers—thank you for your hard work and unparalleled dedication to Hope Air.
Together, you are truly a dream team.
Sincerely,
David Garner
Chair
Hope Air Board of Directors
Now, 36 years after it began, Hope Air has facilitated more than 162,000 total travel arrangements. Our clients are the 3.2 million Canadians who live below the poverty line in communities far from the specialized health care found in large cities. Every day, your support allows the Hope Air team to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing the medical care they need.
Our 2021 Impact Report shares some unforgettable stories. Without Hope Air, 35% of our patients would have to travel as much as 12 hours one way, by bus or car, to reach their medical appointments. A further 27% would have postponed or even cancelled their treatments.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the Hope Air Board stands united with our donors, volunteers, partners, staff and leadership as we look for even better ways to deliver our crucial services. In fact, in recent years, Hope Air has expanded its services to include PEI bridge and ferry passes and free accommodation close to patient appointments. Soon, we will be incorporating transit to and from the airport and meal subsidies to further assist our patients.
Through my work on the Hope Air Board, I’ve been privileged to realize one of retirement’s greatest benefits: the chance to give back to a worthy cause. As an organization, we’ve encountered many challenges over the past 12 years, but the passion and dedication of our team has conquered every one of them. In 2020, despite the pandemic challenges, there were nearly 4,000 volunteer hours donated to Hope Air and its good work! That level of commitment is astounding and commendable. It is the reason for our success.
This year’s message is bittersweet for me. Soon, I will be stepping down as Chair of the Hope Air board. I’ll stay on as a Director and continue to build on 12 years of wonderful memories, a long list of good friends, and a deep sense of accomplishment.
I’m proud of what this organization does for Canadians in need, each and every day. I wish the Board every success as it continues under the capable leadership of incoming Chair Auriol Marasco. To our CEO, Mark Rubinstein, and all our donors, supporters, partners, staff and volunteers—thank you for your hard work and unparalleled dedication to Hope Air.
Together, you are truly a dream team.
Sincerely,
David Garner
Chair
Hope Air Board of Directors
Letter from our CEO
Letter from our CEO
Mark Rubinstein
Themes for the Future
If “pivot” was the buzzword of 2020, then “change” was surely the hallmark of 2021. In this climate of uncertainty, I am very proud to report that Hope Air facilitated more than 6,700 travel arrangements in 2021, providing a key service to vulnerable Canadians who must travel to reach medical care.
Hope Air also expanded its service offerings in 2021, including growing our accommodations program that was launched in 2019. At a time when the provision of healthcare seems to be in a state of constant flux, Hope Air remains focused on enhancing its service offerings. Our goal is to take more worry away from sick Canadians, so they can focus on their most important priority: getting well.
Hope Air will carry three important themes from 2021 into the year ahead. Our crucial work is characterized by optimism, realism and gratitude as we move forward.
Hope Air also expanded its service offerings in 2021, including growing our accommodations program that was launched in 2019. At a time when the provision of healthcare seems to be in a state of constant flux, Hope Air remains focused on enhancing its service offerings. Our goal is to take more worry away from sick Canadians, so they can focus on their most important priority: getting well.
Hope Air will carry three important themes from 2021 into the year ahead. Our crucial work is characterized by optimism, realism and gratitude as we move forward.
We are Optimists because we successfully adapted to meet the many challenges posed by unprecedented times. There is no manual for how to continue serving our patients while safely navigating a global pandemic. Thanks to you, our donors and funders—along with our volunteers, referral partners and patient families—we’ve forged our own path forward. Even more importantly, we know we can keep doing so!
We are also Realists. As we look forward to brighter days, we also recognize the delays of important treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases in the Canadian healthcare system. As our hospitals, medical professionals, and regulators continue managing backlogs, Hope Air remains deeply committed to it’s clients, now more than ever.
Lastly, we feel tremendous gratitude for our community “Team Hope Air”—all those whose involvement directly impacts our patients. From donors to volunteer pilots to corporate partners, and all the others who support Hope Air, we thank you. I am also tremendously grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of the Hope Air Board of Directors, who continue to help our organization navigate these times.
The Hope Air 2021 Impact Report shares our collective accomplishments, stories and milestones—each one even more impressive when set against a backdrop of constant change. As we move forward into 2022, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact we have made in the lives of so many families across our country.
It has been said that the true measure of any just society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished through Hope Air to help those in their most important time of need.
Warmest regards,
Mark Rubinstein
Chief Hope Officer
Hope Air
Lastly, we feel tremendous gratitude for our community “Team Hope Air”—all those whose involvement directly impacts our patients. From donors to volunteer pilots to corporate partners, and all the others who support Hope Air, we thank you. I am also tremendously grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of the Hope Air Board of Directors, who continue to help our organization navigate these times.
The Hope Air 2021 Impact Report shares our collective accomplishments, stories and milestones—each one even more impressive when set against a backdrop of constant change. As we move forward into 2022, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact we have made in the lives of so many families across our country.
It has been said that the true measure of any just society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished through Hope Air to help those in their most important time of need.
Warmest regards,
Mark Rubinstein
Chief Hope Officer
Hope Air
Mark Rubinstein
Themes for the Future
If “pivot” was the buzzword of 2020, then “change” was surely the hallmark of 2021. In this climate of uncertainty, I am very proud to report that Hope Air facilitated more than 6,700 travel arrangements in 2021, providing a key service to vulnerable Canadians who must travel to reach medical care.
We are Optimists because we successfully adapted to meet the many challenges posed by unprecedented times. There is no manual for how to continue serving our patients while safely navigating a global pandemic. Thanks to you, our donors and funders—along with our volunteers, referral partners and patient families—we’ve forged our own path forward. Even more importantly, we know we can keep doing so!
We are also Realists. As we look forward to brighter days, we also recognize the delays of important treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases in the Canadian healthcare system. As our hospitals, medical professionals, and regulators continue managing backlogs, Hope Air remains deeply committed to it’s clients, now more than ever.
Lastly, we feel tremendous gratitude for our community “Team Hope Air”—all those whose involvement directly impacts our patients. From donors to volunteer pilots to corporate partners, and all the others who support Hope Air, we thank you. I am also tremendously grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of the Hope Air Board of Directors, who continue to help our organization navigate these times.
The Hope Air 2021 Impact Report shares our collective accomplishments, stories and milestones—each one even more impressive when set against a backdrop of constant change. As we move forward into 2022, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact we have made in the lives of so many families across our country.
It has been said that the true measure of any just society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished through Hope Air to help those in their most important time of need.
Warmest regards,
Mark Rubinstein
Chief Hope Officer
Hope Air
Lastly, we feel tremendous gratitude for our community “Team Hope Air”—all those whose involvement directly impacts our patients. From donors to volunteer pilots to corporate partners, and all the others who support Hope Air, we thank you. I am also tremendously grateful for the ongoing support and guidance of the Hope Air Board of Directors, who continue to help our organization navigate these times.
The Hope Air 2021 Impact Report shares our collective accomplishments, stories and milestones—each one even more impressive when set against a backdrop of constant change. As we move forward into 2022, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact we have made in the lives of so many families across our country.
It has been said that the true measure of any just society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members. I am truly grateful for all that we have accomplished through Hope Air to help those in their most important time of need.
Warmest regards,
Mark Rubinstein
Chief Hope Officer
Hope Air
Our Accomplishments
2021 was characterized by resilience and determination. In a year like no other, Hope Air persevered in its mission to get Canadians from home to hospital. Against a backdrop of pandemic travel restrictions and treatment backlogs, we widened our scope to assist with not only flights but accommodations and ground transportation, too. Take a look at
what we accomplished thanks to your support.
2021 was characterized by resilience and determination. In a year like no other, Hope Air persevered in its mission to get Canadians from home to hospital. Against a backdrop of pandemic travel restrictions and treatment backlogs, we widened our scope to assist with not only flights but accommodations and ground transportation, too. Take a look at
what we accomplished thanks to your support.
Press the buttons to see our impact
Celebrating Our Volunteer Pilots
Volunteer pilots contributed hours to Hope Air in 2021. Without their crucial support, our mission of helping all Canadians travel from home to hospital could never be realized. By covering the communities that are not well serviced by commercial airlines, Hope Air’s volunteer pilots enable more people to access critical medical appointments. For many patients, some of whom are flying in a small aircraft for the first time, these flights are unforgettable experiences. For pilots, they reap the rewards of combining their passion for aviation with a desire to help others.
Celebrating Our Volunteer Pilots
Volunteer pilots contributed hours to Hope Air in 2021. Without their crucial support, our mission of helping all Canadians travel from home to hospital could never be realized. By covering the communities that are not well serviced by commercial airlines, Hope Air’s volunteer pilots enable more people to access critical medical appointments. For many patients, some of whom are flying in a small aircraft for the first time, these flights are unforgettable experiences. For pilots, they reap the rewards of combining their passion for aviation with a desire to help others.
Give Hope Wings
In late summer 2021, volunteer pilots took to the skies to help Hope Air connect more patients with life-saving health care. The Give Hope Wings fourth annual expedition, this time through Western Canada, raised enough money to provide 1,689 flights for patients in need! Along the way, volunteers increased awareness about Hope Air and its mission to connect all Canadians with crucial medical care, no matter where they live or their financial circumstances. Discover more about Give Hope Wings and the 2021 fundraising expedition.
Learn More
Give Hope Wings
In late summer 2021, volunteer pilots took to the skies to help Hope Air connect more patients with life-saving health care. The Give Hope Wings fourth annual expedition, this time through Western Canada, raised enough money to provide 1,689 flights for patients in need! Along the way, volunteers increased awareness about Hope Air and its mission to connect all Canadians with crucial medical care, no matter where they live or their financial circumstances. Discover more about Give Hope Wings and the 2021 fundraising expedition.
Learn More
Hope When There is No Time to Wait
“No doctor in North America had seen a case as extreme as
mine. I needed to get to Toronto, to the doctors at Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre. I didn’t have time to wait. After
several flights, all funded by Hope Air, I got the help I needed.
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Hope Air.”
Brian Button, Saskatoon
See MoreStories
Hope When There is No Time to Wait
“No doctor in North America had seen a case as extreme as mine. I needed to get to Toronto, to the doctors at Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre. I didn’t have time to wait. After several flights, all funded by Hope Air, I got the help I needed.
I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Hope Air.”
Brian Button, Saskatoon
See MoreStories
Thanks to our Supporters
Together, corporate, foundation and
individual donors provided more than
$2.6 Million in support of Hope Air’s
mission last year. Thank you to all of the
supporters who help ensure that no one
is left behind when it comes to accessing
vital medical care.
“I first learned about
Hope Air’s work from a client and friend,
and immediately wanted to become involved.
I was a proud member of the Champions
of Hope Campaign last year – a group of
35 individual donors who contributed
more than $175,000 to mark Hope Air’s
35th anniversary. I’m proud to support
one of Canada’s 100 best charities and
to know my gift has an immediate impact
on families traveling for medical care.”
Jane Logan, Victoria, BC
2021 Supporters
A Big Thank You to Our Partners
With significant financial contributions, free travel vouchers, waived landing fees, and overall help promoting our cause our corporate and foundation partners are critical to our success. Without them, we would not be able to provide so many Canadians in financial need with free travel and accommodations for medical care far from home. With thanks to all of our supporters, we’re proud to highlight the stories of two partners: Newmont Canada and Ports Toronto.
With operations focused on remote parts of Canada, Newmont Canada is familiar with issues of access in small towns. Their support of Hope Air helps to keep small communities vibrant. Together, we help families like Ivy and Elo’s reach the care they need without moving away from home. 
Since its beginning, Ports Toronto has helped Hope Air fly. As the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Ports Toronto plays a key supporting role. In 2021 all commercial flight activity was suspended at the airport. This impacted our ability to transport patients. But in staying the course, both organizations persevered and ultimately saved lives.
2021 Financial Snapshot
In a year of challenge and adversity, Hope Air delivered the highest level of patient assistance. Hope Air has been recognized as one of the country’s most efficient charities, once again ranking in the Top 100 for efficiency and transparency. In 2021, 72 cents of every dollar raised funded mission related expenses. Our administrative costs remain low at just 9 cents on the dollar. We maximize. We maximize the value of your donations, gifts, and government grants so we can help as many Canadians as possible access vital health care.
In a year of challenge and adversity, Hope Air delivered the highest level of patient assistance. Hope Air has been recognized as one of the country’s most efficient charities, once again ranking in the Top 100 for efficiency and transparency. In 2021, 72 cents of every dollar raised funded mission related expenses. Our administrative costs remain low at just 9 cents on the dollar. We maximize. We maximize the value of your donations, gifts, and government grants so we can help as many Canadians as possible access vital health care.
Where Dollars Came From
REVENUE
27.4% Government
23.1% Foundation
21.6% Corporation
15.5% Individual
12.4% In-Kind
Where Dollars Were Invested
EXPENSES
71.6% Program
19.4% Fundraising
9.0% Administration
The Need Has Never Been Greater
With the huge backlog in care and surgeries, we need to grow our support in 2022.Please help by:
The Need Has Never Been Greater
With the huge backlog in care and surgeries, we need to grow our support in 2022.Please help by:
Being a Corporate Sponsor
Making a Personal Donation
Being a Volunteer
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