Kelowna, BC – September 18, 2025 – The KF Centre for Excellence welcomed the community for the return of Haul for Hope, Hope Air’s national fundraising event. More than 100 participants across six teams came together to haul a 67,000 lb plane 75 metres, raising over $30,000 in support of Hope Air patients who must travel far from home for vital medical care.
“We’re proud to once again welcome Haul for Hope to the KF Centre for Excellence,” said Chris Lapointe, Executive Director, KF Centre for Excellence. “This event reflects the spirit of our aviation community – teamwork, determination and supporting others. Bringing Haul for Hope to Kelowna highlights the strength of our region and our shared commitment and love of aviation, while helping others access vital medical care.”
Haul for Hope has grown from a two-city event in 2023 to a six-city national fundraiser in 2025, rallying airport communities, airlines, and corporate teams to support patients in financial need. In 2024 alone, Hope Air provided over 45,000 travel arrangements nationwide, including more than 1,000 for patients and caregivers from Kelowna.
“Every pull at Haul for Hope is a show of strength, solidarity, and compassion,” said Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer at Hope Air. “By coming together in Kelowna and across Canada, we’re making sure that patients in need can access essential medical care, no matter where they live.”
WestJet, a long-time partner of Hope Air, returned as Presenting Sponsor for Western Canada, supporting events in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, and Vancouver. Their ongoing commitment ensures thousands of patients across the country can travel to life-saving medical appointments they would otherwise be unable to reach.
For more information on Haul for Hope hopeair.ca/haul
