Oziel Guerra’s passion for flying extends beyond personal enjoyment; it includes a heartfelt commitment to helping special passengers through his volunteer work with Hope Air.
Guerra is one of the few pilots who volunteer their skills and time with Hope Air, a charity that has been providing free travel arrangements since 2010. This organization collaborates with private and commercial airlines to offer flights and accommodations for people from remote communities who need to travel long distances for healthcare.
“It just made sense. I like flying and it’s a good way to give it a purpose,” Guerra said. “Not only for fun and taking your family, but actually helping someone.”
Guerra learned about Hope Air from a friend and fellow pilot. He decided to get involved, applied, and after an interview, began transporting passengers last year.
In Northern and rural communities in British Columbia, about one in five people have had to cancel medical appointments due to distance or cost. Guerra understands that it’s not just about money. “For some people, it’s not only about having the funds, but having the time,” he explained. “Hope Air is very convenient and it’s very safe.”
Hope Air has seen a significant rise in requests for assistance from patients in B.C. In 2023, the organization arranged 14,132 travel arrangements, marking a 145 percent increase from the previous year. Approximately 25 percent of Hope Air clients are children.
To raise awareness of their work, Hope Air declared June 17 as Hope Air Day across the province. “The pilots are only a small part of it,” Guerra said. “The people who coordinate transportation, lodging, meals, and medical services are crucial. Nothing could happen without them.”
Last year, the province provided $10 million to Hope Air to support the transport of cancer patients. Ensuring equitable access to healthcare for more British Columbians is a key part of Hope Air’s mission.
