Hope Air

Dennis Kiffiak, Director of Development for HOPE AIR provided an informational presentation about the service of Hope Air to our communities around the province and across Canada.

Hope Air is a relatively unknown organization despite the fact they are celebrating their 25th Anniversary in Canada this year.  

Hope Air has provided over 66,000 Air Flights to people in need of medical assistance during the past 25 years, that are financially unable to afford these flights without some assistance.

In Prince George, a full 365 flights have been provided during the current year, one per day on average, and another 900 needed.  The program is growing by over 90% with many aspects of the clients changing to include seniors as well as single parents living on fixed income and under the poverty line.

Hope Air have three criteria they use to help determine their willingness to assist people.  These are: Assessment; Treatment,; and Follow-up Treatment.

Hope Air provide most of their Flight assistance through WestJet, where they have to pay the taxes and Airport Charges on the flights that are otherwise donated by WestJet.  Another source of flights is the private Aircraft flown by pilots where Hope Air fund 50% of their fuel costs and expenses, allowing these pilots to enjoy their flying at a reduced rate.

Hope Air is a non profit organization and is constantly looking for assistance to provide this service through support from communities and organizations such as Rotary.

Dennis was thanked for his presentation by Rotary Garry Howse with a donation to our Polio Plus Program.