Hope Air Takes Kindness to New Heights
In August 2007 Harbour Air became an airline partner with Hope Air. This grassroots organization provides Canadians in financial need with free air transportation to non-emergency medical care. The service is delivered by volunteer pilots, corporate aircraft and through donated commercial airline seats. In operation for 21 years, Hope Air offers assistance without regard to age or illness category.
Says Greg McDougall, CEO of Harbour Air Seaplanes: “Harbour Air is proud to have paired up with Hope Air as we believe that people, especially children in our communities, cannot be deprived of the essential medical care that they require simply because they cannot afford to access it. If Harbour Air can make their lives a little easier by providing a fast, convenient and reliable way for them to get to their medical appointments, then that is exactly what we will do.”
Over the last three years, flights arranged for B.C. residents have accounted for an increasing percentage of the overall flights arranged nationwide by Hope Air.
Doug Keller-Hobson, Executive Director of Hope Air, is thrilled with the partnership: “Given that Vancouver is a vital centre for specialized health care, care which is valued not only in British Columbia but by many people in other provinces, it is very important to Hope Air to be able to partner with Harbour Air Seaplanes. Being able to work together in this exciting partnership ensures that Hope Air and Harbour Air Seaplanes continue their respective legacies of investing in the healthcare of residents of Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.”
In 1999, Hope Air launched a volunteer pilot program, allowing them to assist more Canadians in need by opening up air routes in rural and remote areas of the country. With over 1400 missions completed and 300 pilots on board, the program has been a great success. In addition to Harbour Air’s participation as an airline partner, the company is encouraging its pilots to become a part of this much-needed program.
