Press Release

Haul for Hope 2025 a Success

September 15, 2025

Community

Over $100k Raised to Help Canadians Access Medical Care at Annual Fundraiser

Haul for Hope, presented by Hope Air, returned to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport this past weekend, raising over $100,000 to support Canadians who must travel long distances to access vital medical care. The event brought together 18 teams to pull a 67,000-lb Porter Airlines aircraft across the airport tarmac – a powerful symbol of the challenging journeys faced by the patients and families Hope Air serves each year.

Toronto (September 15, 2025) – Haul for Hope, presented by Hope Air, returned to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport this past weekend, raising over $100,000 to support Canadians who must travel long distances to access vital medical care.

The event brought together 18 teams to pull a 67,000-lb Porter Airlines aircraft across the airport tarmac – a powerful symbol of the challenging journeys faced by the patients and families Hope Air serves each year.

“Every dollar raised today helps remove the barrier of distance from medical care,” said Mark Rubinstein CEO, Hope Air. “We’re incredibly proud of the strength, spirit, and generosity shown by our teams, sponsors and volunteers.”

Haul for Hope is a national event series that’s been building momentum each year to raise money for those in need of medical assistance, meeting the growing need for Hope Air’s travel support services.

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, teams came together in the morning to enjoy a complimentary breakfast, high-energy DJ set, and team warmup before taking turns hauling the plane a combined distance of 1,350 metres, showcasing incredible spirit against the stunning backdrop of the downtown skyline and Toronto Islands.

The Brantford Bruins completed the pull in the fastest time and were also the overall Haul for Hope Champions with their combined fundraising and pull time.

QUOTES:

“Haul for Hope Toronto demonstrates the power of a community united by compassion. Every plane pulled represents the real journeys our patients take when faced with the burden of distance and cost to access medical care. Thanks to the commitment of partners like Porter, PortsToronto and Nieuport Aviation, we can meet the rising demand for our services and make sure that every Canadian, no matter where they live, has a fair chance at improved health.” – Mark Rubinstein, CEO of Hope Air

“Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is uniquely located just minutes from the world-class hospitals, research labs, and trauma centres that define healthcare in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Its accessibility and strong connections to the regional transportation network make it an ideal gateway for patients and families travelling for care. This is also why Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service, has maintained a base at the airport for over 40 years. We’re proud to serve as a hub for healthcare in Ontario and to support Hope Air’s critical mission by hosting the annual Haul for Hope.” – RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, PortsToronto, owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

“Haul for Hope is a remarkable way to showcase what can be achieved when airport partners and the broader Toronto community pull together, literally, for a vital cause. We are proud to support Hope Air’s mission and to ensure that patients travelling through YTZ have the connections they need to access life-saving care.” – Jennifer Quinn, CEO, Nieuport Aviation, terminal partner at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

About the Toronto Port Authority

The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada’s largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto’s transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond.

The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government.

-30-