TORONTO, ON (Date) –Dryden Air Services has agreed to donate $125 to Hope Air for every Hope Air client who flies on WestJet departing from a Dryden-serviced airport. Dryden Air Services was inspired by WestJet Airlines’ support of Hope Air to create an innovative donation agreement that will help Canadians living in the communities in which Dryden Air Services operates. Dryden Air Services will assist children and adults living with a variety of illnesses by helping Hope Air to eliminate the twin barriers of cost and distance to healthcare.

Dryden Air Services has operations in Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Hamilton and Ottawa. As a result of this collaborative agreement with Hope Air, individuals and families in these communities will have improved access to healthcare. “Dryden Air Services is committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where we operate” says Dryden Air Services President Wade Morrell. “We are proud to partner with Hope Air in supporting their mission of Getting Canadians To Getting Better.”

In creating this initiative, Dryden Air Services will build on the generous support already provided by WestJet Airlines to Hope Air. Since 1996, WestJet has provided donated flights for financially-disadvantaged Canadians who must travel long distances to receive the healthcare they need. In 2010, WestJet donated nearly 900 flights. This continued support by WestJet has allowed Hope Air to grow and to assist a greater number of Canadians than ever before.

Similarly, Dryden Air Services will support Hope Air’s growth and enable us to increase the number of people we help. Hope Air’s work remains vital in the communities that Dryden Air Services operates in. In 2010, Hope Air arranged 54 flights for residents of Saskatchewan. In a recent survey, 29 per cent of Hope Air Clients in that province indicated that, if not for Hope Air, they would have foregone medical care due to their inability to pay for an airline ticket or the length of time the alternative travel method would have taken.

One such Client, “Joanne” lives in Saskatoon and struggles with a rare genetic disorder that requires frequent travel to Toronto for prolonged stays at St. Michael’s Hospital. “I cannot express how much this service has meant to me,” says the 32 year old. “Knowing I can turn to Hope Air to relieve some of the financial burden that comes with seeking medical attention in another province is a huge relief.  My appreciation goes out to all who support Hope Air.”

Hope Air’s work in other Dryden-serviced communities has helped people like Joanne get to the healthcare they need. In Ottawa, flight volume has increased by 23 per cent in the first five months of 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010.  In Winnipeg, Hope Air continues to assist those Manitobans who must travel outside the province for medical treatment but are unable to utilize Manitoba Health’s Out-of-Province Transportation Subsidy Program.

Hope Air Executive Director Doug Keller-Hobson is delighted to welcome another leading air transportation company into the fold of Hope Air supporters. “Hope Air wouldn’t be able to celebrate 25 years of service without the continued support from the air transportation industry in Canada. We are very excited to have Dryden Air Services on board as a supporter and appreciate their commitment to improving access to healthcare in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.”

For more information, please contact:

C.K. DesGrosseilliers                                               
Communications Manager                                   
Hope Air
ckdesgrosseilliers@hopeair.org
www.hopeair.org
1-877-346-4673, ext. 227                                   

RJ Koutrouliotis
General Manager
Dryden Air Services
rj@drydenairservices.com
www.drydenairservices.com
(905) 677-1020 ext. 26

Hope Air Background

Hope Air is the only national charity that provides flights to people in financial need to get to specialized healthcare that is typically located in large cities, far from our Clients’ homes. Hope Air serves people of all ages and with all manner of illness or health problems. Most Hope Air Clients live at – or below – the poverty line. Hope Air helps people get to the healthcare they deserve through a Commercial Airline Donation Program, using seats donated by Canada’s leading national and regional airlines, and through the Volunteer Pilot Program, which recruits private pilots and planes to fly Clients. In addition, Hope Air may purchase tickets for Clients when other options are not available. Visit www.hopeair.org for more information or to donate.

Dryden Air Services Background

Founded in 1988, Dryden Air Services began operations at the Dryden Ontario airport providing ramp and counter services for Ontario Express Limited. In October of 2008, Dryden Air Services was acquired by Icarus Resources and continues to operate as an efficient and reliable ground-handing service provider to both domestic and international airlines with passenger and cargo-related operations. Visit www.drydenairservices.com for more information.