Mike Sosnowski Area A Director & Brent Bidston Angel Flight
Angel Flight East Kootenay (AFEK) extends sincere gratitude to the Province of British Columbia for committing $300,000 in funding support, to be split evenly over the next two (2) years.
Founded in April 2019 by Brent Bidston (Ret. Airline Captain and current Board Vice-Chair), AFEK is an entirely volunteer-led charitable organization that provides flights at no cost to residents of the East Kootenay so they can access non-emergency medical services and treatment centres in Kelowna.
Demand has ballooned since the organization was formed, most significantly in 2022 when the number of patients flown grew to 570 from 110 the year prior. This was a direct result of the organization purchasing an aircraft to reduce the possibility of variable weather impacting planned flights that often-meant cancelations and missed appointments. “The 414A has made a huge impact by making our flights as reliable as any carrier. In the first year of operation we didn’t cancel a single flight due to weather”, shared Bidston. The purchase of this aircraft was made possible by the incredible support from the Regional District of East Kootenay.
This new funding comes at a key time for the organization. “We are very grateful for this recognition and support from the Province to help residents in our communities to access the care they need. In addition to the generous donations we receive, these funds will help cover our increasing operating costs and work towards future-proofing the sustainability of our organization”, stated Pete Bourke, AFEK Board Chair & Executive Director of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.
The Province was initially made aware of AFEK through the hard work and dedication of former RDEK Area A Director, Mike Sosnowski, then further supported by RDEK Area F Director Susan Clovechok, along with Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok.
“After meeting with our MLA and Minister Dix to advocate for financial support of Angel Flight in October, I was very pleased to hear from the Ministry of Health that Angel Flight East Kootenay will be receiving operational funding.
This funding will provide East Kootenay residents with confidence that they will be able to attend their medical appointments in Kelowna or return home after being med-evac’d without financial hardship or the stress of a lengthy mountain pass drive”, commented Director Susan Clovechok.
“As MLA for Columbia River Revelstoke I am thrilled that our advocacy efforts with Minister Dix have paid off. These dollars will benefit the health care and outcomes of not only my constituents but so many others. I thank Minister Dix for his support of this essential service”, shared MLA Doug Clovechok.
Bourke added, “We are so fortunate and appreciative for the vision of Brent and his wife Janet to create this organization, as well as our dedicated board of directors, pilots, and amazing volunteers. Thank you again to the Province and to everyone who helps make this possible”.
To learn more about Angel Flight East Kootenay, how to donate, or access the service, please visit www.angelflightek.ca.
