The second annual breakfast fundraiser in support of Hope Air, Ham, Eggs and Hope, was held on Tuesday morning at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s.
Over 130 people had their breakfast just as the sun was coming up to fundraise for Hope Air, a national charity that provides free flights for low-income Canadians who need to travel for medical appointments.
CEO Doug Keller-Hobson of Hope Air told The Telegram that enough money was raised Tuesday morning to fly 100 people to necessary medical appointments.
“The funds stay here in Newfoundland and Labrador, that’s our commitment,” said Keller-Hobson. “It’s flights for people in these communities.”
Keller-Hobson says the flights are for low-income families, and a lot of Hope Air’s clients don’t even have a credit card.
“The average household income among these families is about $29,000,” said Jim Burton, chairman of the board of Hope Air. “For them, Hope Air is not an airline, it’s a lifeline.”
Premier Dwight Ball attended the fundraiser on Tuesday.
“We had a great discussion with the premier this morning,” said Burton. “The health-care system is great, and it works well once you get there. Health care starts at the front door of your doctor’s office.”
Since 2012, Hope Air has donated 4,000 flights to individuals in need in Newfoundland and Labrador, and hopes to keep doing so.
“Hope Air is really in existence because of its ability to raise funds in the community and help others,” said Keller-Hobson. “But it’s getting tough to keep up with the demand lately.”
“Everyone was very generous this morning,” said Keller-Hobson. “We even raised $14,000 from people who couldn’t make it to this morning’s event.”
For more information about Hope Air, visit www.hopeair.ca.
