With approximately 19% of British Columbians living in remote or rural areas, Helicopters Without Borders offers an important service connecting people in need with life-saving healthcare. By providing air transportation solutions to various health service providers, Helicopters Without Borders increases access to care. They also work synchronously with local organizations to provide needed supplies as well as emergency support. We spoke with Max Turmel (Marketing & Events Summer Intern) and Kira Young (Impact & Programs Summer Intern) to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Helicopters Without Borders is a Canadian non-profit organization and charity dedicated to increasing access to health and wellness for all by providing air transportation solutions to various health service providers. In practice, we partner with remote communities throughout British Columbia and fly healthcare professionals and resources based on the specific needs of the community. Alongside programs to transport healthcare professionals, HWB works with other charities, NGOs, health authorities, provincial government, and Indigenous governance to secure deliveries of food and clean water, medical supplies, hygiene products, school supplies, personal protective equipment, and vaccines in response to emergency shortages.
What problem does it aim to solve?
Currently, British Columbians living remotely often experience limited or inconsistent access to primary and specialized healthcare, emergency services, and basic supplies because of geographic isolation and transportation barriers. By transporting personnel and resources into communities, HWB reduces the burden on individuals and families that would otherwise need to travel long distances for care. Our work is in pursuit of a future where all Canadians have equitable access to healthcare, no matter where they live.
When did you start/join it?
We both joined HWB in May 2025, but the organization has been operating since 2021.
What made you want to get involved?
Kira: I grew up in the Northwest Territories, where access to healthcare is challenging and the burden of travelling far from home is pronounced, and this is a challenge that I’m passionate about addressing. When I came across the job posting for HWB, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to contribute to an organization that is actively addressing the challenges of rural and remote healthcare access, while gaining exposure to the nonprofit sector.
Max: I have a deep passion for kickstarting community initiatives, such as expanding their media presence and helping them connect with wider audiences. HWB’s mission resonated with me immediately—I was eager to jump headfirst into a field I hadn’t worked in before, healthcare, and contribute to something truly collective. Getting involved with HWB means knowing that our day-to-day work directly supports health service accessibility. It makes it clear how important it is to bring Helicopters Without Borders’ mission to the forefront, and I wanted to be actively involved in that journey.
What was the situation like when you started?
The passion, commitment, and innovation among the HWB team was clear from the day we were onboarded as interns in May. At the time we began, HWB was busy with numerous community partnerships and outgoing flights, including transporting team-based care flights with an interdisciplinary team of practitioners, and deliveries of menstrual products.
Looking back further to when HWB was established, many of the communities we now serve had more limited access to healthcare. Individuals often had to leave their communities to receive basic care, or forgo it entirely due to the burden of travel.
How has it changed since?
Since both our starts at the organization were only in May, we’ve only witnessed the progress over the past couple of months. Still, so much has changed and is expecting to change! For example, our personal projects, when it comes to expanding upon the HWB name, have already gone a long way. This team thrives on nonstop innovation, whether it’s finding creative ways to streamline our productivity or to reinforce our relationships with the communities we serve.
What more needs to be done?
There’s so much that needs to be done, but don’t be mistaken, this isn’t something to be discouraged about. There will always be something to be done as long as we haven’t reached our goal of healthcare equity for all Canadians. The joy is in knowing that every day, we’re one step closer from achieving that goal. What’s great is that there’s always unexplored terrain to be discovered in order to diversify our reach, expand our services, improve our internal productivity, etc.
How can our readers help?
Most of the ways you, at home, can help, is through our website and any other media tools. By signing up to our newsletter (which can be done directly via our website!), you’ll be able to stay up to date on any HWB-related news. For example, through our e-mailed quarterly highlights, you’ll be able to read how we extend our reach to communities and exactly what our work consists of. You can also read key testimonials from our health practitioners and community members on the website.
Of course, another way to help besides staying knowledgeable is through donations! That also can be done through our website, under the “Donate” tab. It’s wonderful to witness what your small sum can do for our initiatives. 🙂
Do you have any events coming up?
We’re in the process of updating our social media accounts and will be chock-full of events and flight recaps! We’re excited to showcase what HWB has done for the last quarter. Keep an eye out for anything HWB-related popping up on your feed!
Where can we follow you?
We would love to connect on Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to learn more about us on our website.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
Refood: Food Rescue. A great program in Western Canada that aims to reduce food waste! Very diverse events and super relevant info on how to create food sustainability at home.
