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The third annual event supports Hope Air's mission to help Canadians reach critical medical care

CALGARY, AB, Sept. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- On Wednesday, September 23, Hope Air's third annual Haul for Hope event in Calgary, presented by WestJet, raised a record-breaking $140,000 to help Canadians who must travel long distances to access vital medical care. This years' event was especially meaningful as it marked milestone anniversaries for both organizations: Hope Air's 40th year of connecting patients to care and WestJet's 30th anniversary of serving Canadians.

"We are incredibly proud of the overwhelming support shown at this year's Haul for Hope," said Diederik Pen, President, WestJet Airlines & Chief Operating Officer, WestJet Group. "Today was a powerful reminder that when communities come together with a common purpose, they can create meaningful change. Every team that took on the challenge of pulling an aircraft, every volunteer who donated their time, and every dollar raised will help ensure patients and caregivers can access the medical care they need, regardless of where they live."

This year, 20 teams took on the challenge of pulling a 67,000-pound WestJet aircraft 100 metres across the tarmac at Signature Aviation YYC in support of Hope Air's mission. While the event ignited a bit of friendly competition, its true purpose was to raise awareness and critical funds that help patients and their caregivers overcome geographic barriers to healthcare.

"Standing on the tarmac and seeing this many people show up for Hope Air patients was incredibly moving," said Mark Rubinstein, Chief Hope Officer, Hope Air. "WestJet and YYC didn't simply help us put on an event--they brought a community together around patients who may be facing some of the most difficult days of their lives. Every person who pulled that aircraft, donated or volunteered today helped give someone the ability to get on a flight, reach an appointment to receive the vital medical care they've travelled so far for. That is what I'll remember about today: Calgary showed our patients that they don't have to make that journey alone."

"Hosting Haul for Hope at YYC for the past three years reminds us of what a remarkable community we're part of," said Megan Gupton, Chief Information Officer, Calgary Airports. "Each year, we're inspired by the volunteers, sponsors, supporters and partners who rally behind Hope Air's mission. It's a privilege to welcome that energy to YYC and see the impact it creates for patients and families across Canada."

As Calgary's hometown airline and the presenting sponsor of Haul for Hope events across Western Canada, WestJet plays a central role in connecting Canadians from rural, remote and underserved communities to specialized medical care they need across the country through the gift of flight.

For more information, visit westjet.com.

About WestJet      

Since 1996, WestJet has been on a mission to make the skies more accessible and a lot more enjoyable. Proudly Canadian and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, WestJet connects guests to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and some of the world's most sought-after getaways. Operating more than 600 daily flights, including connectivity through WestJet's airline partners, WestJet serves more than 275 destinations. 

A team of more than 15,000 WestJetters have helped reshape what flying looks like in Canada -- reducing airfares by half and welcoming more Canadians into the air.

The WestJet Group includes WestJet Airlines, WestJet Vacations, Vacances WestJet Quebec and Sunwing Vacations, making it one of Canada's leading airlines and Canada's largest vacation provider.

Learn more at westjet.com.

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SOURCE WESTJET, an Alberta Partnership