Dozens of people turned out Friday to participate in a unique fundraiser for Hope Air, including families who have availed of the service.
Hope Air is a national charity that provides free, non-emergency medical travel for those who need it.
The Haul for Hope saw teams use nothing but a rope and brute strength to haul a 67,000 pound fire truck across a finish line.
(VOCM News)
Frank Neary, a firefighter at St. John’s Regional, was on one of those teams and says it means a lot to know he is helping people who use Hope Air’s services.
He says he tries to help out whenever he can, and hopes the initiative will help someone in need.
One such family is Chantal Porter and her four-year-old son Amir.
Chantal and Amir at Haul for Hope 2025 (VOCM)
Amir was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in November 2023, with all treatments having to be done out of province.
To date, Porter says they have made 12 trips to Toronto for treatment through Hope Air and her son is doing wonderfully.
Porter calls it “absolutely amazing” to see the support shown through Haul for Hope.
She says it is heart wrenching to know that you can’t afford to get a family member the help they need, and it is “amazing” to receive help from Hope Air.
