Ten teams of YVR and Metro Vancouver business employees gathered at Vancouver International Airport's south terminal to pull a 67,000-pound aircraft on Friday morning.
This was part of Hope Air's second annual Haul for Hope event on Sept. 20 to raise funds and awareness for the challenges patients face to access vital medical care in B.C.
Each team took turns pulling a WestJet Q400 plane for 100 metres, with the fastest team, Signature Aviation, completing the pull in 25.03 seconds and winning the 2024 Haul for Hope champion title.
This year's event raised more than $120,000 for Hope Air, a charity providing support to Canadians who need to travel long distances for medical care.
The Canadian charity supports patients through flights, accommodations, meal vouchers and ground transportation arrangements so they don't need to choose between their health and financial strain.
Hope Air patient Sawyer and his parents were among those present at the plane pull on Friday morning.
"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,” said Lee Drennan, Sawyer's dad.
Of all the funds raised during the Haul for Hope event, YVR contributed $50,000 and matched all funds raised by its employee teams for a total donation of more than $90,000.
"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," said Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air.
"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."
Hope Air operated around 4,500 flights to and from YVR airport for patients in need of medical care in 2023, according to Tamara Vrooman, president and CEO at YVR.
"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," said Vrooman.
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