News
Hope Air announces Spirit of Hope Award winners

March 24, 2014 – (Toronto, Ont. – March 20, 2014) At its recent annual volunteer celebration in Toronto, Ont., Hope Air announced the winners of the 2013 Spirit of Hope Volunteer Awards. The charity also released its 2013 annual report.

Jim Burton of St. John’s, N.L., received the 2013 Distinguished Volunteer Award while Henry Ilg of Richmond, B.C., was named the 2013 Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Award.

Hope Air is the only national charity providing free flights to Canadians who need to travel to healthcare that is unavailable in their home communities.

In its 2013 Annual Report, the charity reported a 16 per cent increase in free flights provided to Canadians to travel to healthcare.

The number of flights booked jumped to 7,090 flights in 2013 from 6,091 flights in 2012. The Annual Report can be downloaded at www.hopeair.ca

Executive Director Doug Keller-Hobson says, “We were able to achieve record growth in 2013 largely because of the loyal commitment and support of our airline partners, donors and incredible volunteers.”

Distinguished Volunteer Mr. Burton said, “I’m incredibly proud of Hope Air and the difference this charity makes every day in the lives of hundreds of Canadians who face financial distress while seriously ill.” He adds, “Hope Air provided over 600 flights in our province in 2013, and I’m confident we will assist even more people this year.” He is co-owner and Vice-President of RE/MAX Plus Realty Inc. in St. John's.

Distinguished Volunteer Pilot Mr. Ilg added, “It is a privilege to work with Hope Air Clients.” He adds, “As a pilot I understand how far many Canadians must travel to access healthcare and how a free flight can literally change their lives.” In 2012, Mr. Ilg retired after a long and rewarding career as an Air Canada pilot.

Hope Air is the unique Canadian national charity which arranges free flights for low-income Canadians who need non-emergency healthcare not available in their local communities. Air transportation helps reduce the emotional, financial and physical stress individuals and families face while coping with serious illness. Almost half of Hope Air Clients are children. In 2013, Hope Air and its commercial airline partners and donors provided 7,090 free flights to Canadians across Canada. Since its start in 1986, the charity has provided over 80,000 flights.