By CHAT News Today

In Flight For Your Life

Sep 6, 2022 | 11:44 AM

For the next 3 months, September through November, Coulee Ridge Development is partnering with HALO Air Ambulance for their Community Builder fundraiser! That means HALO will receive an additional monetary boost from Coulee Ridge Development in addition to any funds raised during this time period! These dollars will stay in the Medicine Hat community and be used to support the organization and help cover operational costs.

HALO was established in Medicine Hat in 2007 after a local doctor passed away in a car accident on Highway 41 South. At the time, there was an organization called Southern Alberta MedicAir Society who’s mission was fundraising for the fixed-wing air ambulance program based in Medicine Hat.

“Back in those days, the government provided support for the plane and for the clinical staff,” Paul Carolan, CEO of HALO Air Ambulance, explains. If additional equipment was required, such as a stretcher or incubator, those funds were provided by Southern Alberta MedicAir Society. HALO Air Ambulance was born out of this program. After a tragic accident in 2003, the Board of Directors felt a helicopter could have made a difference in that accident and many others.

Over the next four years, a Rotary Rescue Project was created, an analysis was done to determine the need for an organization of this nature and partnerships were solidified with Palliser Health (now Alberta Health Services). The initial goal was to raise enough money to cover one full year of operating expenses as the concept was tested.

“The reception was so good that after raising about 60% of the funds required, the group decided to… proceed. On July 4^th, 2007, we went online for the first time.”

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The timing of HALO’s launch could not have been more key as just a few days later, they responded to their first call, a quad accident near the United States border. The area would have been completely inaccessible without the helicopter. Today, HALO’s response area is the bulk of Southern Alberta, including East into the Cypress Hills, right up to the U.S. border and West to the British Columbia border. Because of their location in Medicine Hat, many areas accessible because they maximize every ounce of fuel and every minute they fly.”

The nature of funding from the government in the past – prior to 2022 – varied. HALO was funded on a “fee-for-service” model, which meant that on Alberta Health Services approved flights, HALO was able to recuperate some expenses. In 2021 that came to less than 8% of operational costs. Earlier this year HALO became eligible for a five-year agreement and the opportunity to negotiate up to 50% funding. Talks are still ongoing for this agreement and should have a decision made within the year!

The rest of HALO’s funding has been community based. “HALO believes deeply in our connection to the community, By Community, For Community”. The majority of HALO’s funding, for most of their history, has come from generous individuals, responsible corporate and business partners, community groups and service clubs and leading regional municipalities. “Those contributions keep HALO, in flight for your life.”

In 2020 – the thick of the pandemic – HALO found itself in a dire situation for funding. The community came together to keep HALO going, and the appreciation for the overwhelming support was felt deeply. Record amounts of donations came to ensure HALO would make it through the pandemic when the ability to fundraise via in-person events was gone.

“When Covid happened,” Paul says, “The community stood up and said, ‘HALO’s not going anywhere on our watch.’”

There are several fundraising events coming up for HALO this year. In September Coulee Ridge Development is hosting a Block Party fundraiser on September 24^th from 1 – 5 pm. There will be family games (possibly a dunk tank!), live entertainment, a BBQ sponsored by the Mezz, and 2 homes in Parade of Homes and Coulee Ridge on-site with information! You can get a passport stamped at the homes to enter to win prizes.

HALO Air Ambulance is excited for a return to in-person events and is launching an all-new initiative. Turf to Tarmac, a HALO Charity GALA will be held at the hangar in late September and their signature HALO in flight for your life Dinner and Auction will return in early November at the Seven Persons Community Hall.

“We are very fortunate to have been selected by Coulee Ridge,” Paul says. “They’re a great community partner that has taken investment in the community… as a priority for them.”

Community Builder is powered by Coulee Ridge Development. Come home to Medicine Hat. Feel proud of the community you live in.