Cheers were heard as nine teams competed against each other in a firetruck-pulling competition in Richmond on Friday morning.
Teams were challenged to pull a Vancouver International Airport (YVR) firetruck that weighs 27,000 kilograms for 100 meters next to Templeton Skytrain Station as part of Hope Air’s first Haul for Hope fundraising event.
Hope Air is a national charity supporting Canadians with financial needs who require vital medical care far from home.
The event on Friday raised $40,000 which will help Canadians with flights, accommodations, meal vouchers and ground transportation through Hope Air when they need to get medical help.
Brittney, mother of Hope Air passenger Atticus, said the charity has helped their family with a lot of their challenges when it came to trip planning for her son’s medical treatment.
Atticus was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease that causes weakness and rapid fatigue in the body’s muscles.
“(Hope Air) erases that extra step in figuring out how we are going to travel from Kelowna to Vancouver,” said Brittney, adding it makes planning easier since Atticus needs treatment monthly.
“Thanks to this, I can just focus on getting Atticus the treatment he needs.”
Atticus and Brittney both sat inside the firetruck as each team pulled the truck, with the fastest time being 28.59 seconds.
“We are delighted with the support we have received for our first-ever firetruck pull fundraising event in Vancouver,” said Mark Rubinstein, chief hope officer at Hope Air.
“Haul for Hope not only signifies physical strength but also our unwavering dedication to bridge the distance between home and hospital and bring healthcare within reach to all Canadians.”
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