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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.F., received the 2013 Distinguished Volunteer Award while Henry Ilg of Richmond, B.C., accepted 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 Burton says, “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 Ilg says, “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, Ilg retired after a long and rewarding career as an Air Canada pilot.
