WestJet and Hope Air Raise More Than $50,000 at Haul for Hope

On Monday, September 28, Hope Air's third annual Haul for Hope event in Edmonton, presented by WestJet, raised $50,000 to help Canadians who must travel long distances to access vital medical care. This years' event was especially meaningful as it marked milestone anniversaries for both organizations: Hope Air's 40th year of connecting patients to care and WestJet's 30th anniversary of serving Canadians.

"Access to healthcare shouldn't depend on where you live," said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, Director, Alliances and Airport Affairs, WestJet Group. "Through our long-standing partnership with Hope Air, we've seen firsthand the difference travel can make for Canadians requiring medical care. We are proud to be part of Haul for Hope in Edmonton for the third year to raise critical funds for patients and caregivers who must travel to access vital medical care."

Nine teams put their strength to the test by pulling a 67,000-pound WestJet aircraft 100 metres across the tarmac at the WestJet Hangar at Edmonton International Airport in support of Hope Air. While the event featured a healthy dose of friendly competition, its greater impact was raising awareness and essential funding to help patients and caregivers travel to the healthcare services they need.

"Bringing teams together to move a 67,000-pound aircraft is an incredible demonstration of what a community can accomplish when it comes together for a cause that matters," said Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer, Hope Air. "The success of our Haul For Hope event in Edmonton goes far beyond the plane on the tarmac. Every participant, volunteer and supporter is helping ensure patients in rural and remote communities can access the medical care they need, no matter how far they must travel. We are incredibly grateful to Edmonton International Airport, our participating teams and everyone who helped make today's event possible. Their support is helping Hope Air connect patients with the vital medical care they need, when they need it."

"Haul for Hope shows what's possible when our community pulls together for people who need it most. Every dollar raised helps remove a barrier between a patient and the medical care they need, and we're incredibly proud that YEG, alongside WestJet, Hope Air and all the teams and supporters who participated, can play a part in making those journeys possible. This year's incredible total is a reflection of the generosity of our community and the difference we can make when we all pull in the same direction," said Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

WestJet plays a central role in connecting Canadians from rural, remote and underserved communities to specialized medical care they need across the country through the gift of flight.

For more information, visit westjet.com.