Leavitt Machinery Triumphs at Kelowna’s Haul for Hope Event

Leavitt Machinery claimed victory at the second annual Kelowna Haul for Hope on September 18, 2023. The event, held at the KF Centre for Excellence, aimed to raise funds for Hope Air, a charity that provides free flights for Canadians needing medical care far from home. Leavitt’s team was among six competing groups tasked with pulling a 67,000-pound WestJet plane a distance of 75 metres in the fastest time possible.

Participants enjoyed a breakfast provided by Hope Air while listening to heartfelt stories from families impacted by the charity. Among them were Lee Drennen and Nicole Vink, who shared their personal journey with their son, Sawyer. Diagnosed with a rare form of epilepsy requiring brain surgery, Sawyer’s family expressed profound gratitude for the assistance they received from Hope Air.

Vink recounted the challenges they faced, stating, “For all the little appointments… they kept flying Nicole and Sawyer out.” She emphasized the financial relief that Hope Air offered, including hotel accommodations and travel vouchers. “We can’t thank Hope Air enough, because had it not been for that, we would have had to borrow money from family or go into debt,” added Drennen.

The Haul for Hope event not only provided a platform for local businesses to showcase their strength but also generated significant funds for a worthy cause. The Kelowna pull successfully raised over $19,000, contributing to a cumulative total of over $374,000 towards the event’s goal of $500,000. Two more events are scheduled for Calgary and Edmonton, where organizers hope to continue building on this momentum.

Leavitt Machinery’s team achieved the fastest pull of the day, completing the challenge in just 22.19 seconds. Their victory highlights the competitive spirit of the event, which unites local businesses and community members in support of a vital service.

Participants and supporters interested in learning more or making a donation can visit Hope Air’s official website for further details. The success of the Haul for Hope serves as a reminder of the impact that community engagement can have on individuals facing challenging circumstances.