EDMONTON — Community spirit was on full display at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) as more than 100 participants took part in the second annual Haul for Hope, hosted by WestJet and Hope Air.

Eight teams gathered on Sept. 22 to haul a 67,000-pound WestJet Q400 aircraft across the tarmac, raising $30,000 to support Canadians who need to travel far from home for essential medical care.

“WestJet is proud to partner with Hope Air for the second consecutive year to host today’s Haul for Hope Event in Edmonton, one of our key focus cities,” said Jared Mikoch-Gerke, WestJet Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs. “The overwhelming turnout at today’s event is a testament to the transformative impact of WestJet’s partnership with Hope Air and incredible community support that reinforces our shared commitment to supporting Canadians as they travel to receive vital medical care.”

Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air, added: “Haul for Hope is more than a show of strength – it’s a show of solidarity. Today’s incredible turnout in Edmonton demonstrates how deeply this community cares about ensuring no Canadian is left behind when it comes to accessing medical care. Thanks to the dedication of our partners like WestJet, YEG, and the generosity of the teams and supporters who joined us, more patients will be able to travel to receive the treatment they need, when they need it most.”

Since 2007, WestJet and Hope Air have partnered to provide 24,000 flights for Canadian families in need of medical care. Beyond flights, WestJet has also helped to fundraise thousands of dollars for Hope Air through the gift of flight.

Edmonton International Airport, which once again hosted this year’s event, emphasized its role in connecting patients with health services nationwide. Said Myron Keehn, President and CEO of YEG: “Our airport plays a vital role in ensuring patients needing medical care can seamlessly access health services across the country. Today’s event brought our community together to open skies for hope, health and a lifeline to medical care, no matter how far from home they must travel.”