Last November, Smithers-based Central Mountain Air was recognized for their involvement in Hope Air.
“It’s because of Central Mountain Air’s tremendous support of Hope Air over the years, we selected them as the 2012 recipient of the Hope Air Outstanding Philanthropist Award,” Hope Air Executive Director Doug Keller-Hobson said in making the announcement.
The announcement was made in Vancouver during the annual Air Transport Association of Canada conference.
Established in 1987, CMA began offering flights with Hope Air in 1997 and have indeed made a significant contribution to the program.
“Central Mountain Air has been a big part of Hope Air since 1997,” Communications Manager with Hope Air, C.K. DesGrosseilliers said.
“They’ve donated almost 1,350 flights.”
Central Mountain Air President and Chief Executive Officer Douglas McCrae was on hand at the ATAC conference to accept the award.
“Distance and cost are real barriers that affect many Canadians trying to access the care they need,” McCrae said in accepting the award.
“This is particularly true for the residents in many of the communities which Central Mountain Air serves.
“That’s why CMA has been so proud to support Hope Air, we and our employees and crews take pride in having helped so many families.”
Hope Air is no stranger to Smithers.
The Smithers to Vancouver route being the fifth busiest in B.C.
Lorraine Doiron is one of the many Smithers residents who has used Hope Air, along with her daughter and her neighbour.
Doiron, who first used Hope Air in 2005, is nothing shy of grateful for Hope Air.
“I just know that for me and my family and my neighbour being able to fly with the help of Hope Air has been a life saver,” she said.
“No doubt about it.”
Fort St. John resident, Tanya, is one of the many who have been helped by Central Mountain Air and Hope Air.
A single parent, Tanya couldn’t pay for the flights to take her son Ethan, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease, for chemotherapy treatments in Vancouver.
“Without Hope Air I wouldn’t have been able to get Ethan to his treatments,” Tanya said.
“Thank you to Central Mountain Air and all of your staff who were so kind and who graciously contributed to the effort to save my little boy’s life.”
To make a flight request or a donation visit HopeAir.ca