Aerial shot of HALO's fundraiser last week that brought in an estimated $350,000 (Photo courtesy of Colton McKee)

By Scott Roblin

$350,000 Raised

HALO determining future of twin-engine helicopter after raising $350,000

Jun 1, 2020 | 6:10 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The final cheques and bills are being counted by HALO Air Ambulance following one of the most memorable days in the program’s history.

HALO is still riding high following its ‘Free Fry Day’ fundraiser that was held last week, which aimed at supporting the medevac service which is facing financial crisis.

The final totals are still being tabulated, but CEO Paul Carolan said they are expecting that number to be in the $350,000 range which is a far cry from their original $100,000 goal.

“We’re still coming off the high that it was,” said Carolan. “From every location right from Medicine Hat all the way down to Lethbridge, the amount of support and the number of people coming out asking how they could help, what they could do to make a difference in the HALO program was endless.”

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Last month, HALO had put out a public notice that they were on their last legs financially as a result from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a continued lack of provincial funding.

Following the province’s rejection of funding until the completion of its helicopter emergency medical services review, HALO reached out to the greater public for financial help.

HALO’s original statement claimed that without assistance, they would be forced to scale back service to their single-engine helicopter on June 1 and would have to halt all medevac service by Canada Day.

Carolan said he has not made an official decision yet if they will have to ground their twin-engine helicopter, but is optimistic good news will be on the way.

“We may not have all the money in the bank to allow us to continue to operate with the twin-engine helicopter right now,” he said. “But, if we continue to have these conversations, it is a realistic possibility that we should be able to make that announcement shortly.”

Hundreds of southern Alberta residents turned out for Friday’s fundraiser and even more have contributed to a Facebook group that is auctioning off items and packages in support of HALO.

Carolan is hoping last week’s flood of support will convince those at the provincial level to invest in the 13-year-old program.

“I think it’s been resoundingly obvious that there’s a lot of support for this program, that people believe in this program and believe the provincial government should be doing their part,” said Carolan. “So, just to make sure we find a way to quantify that so the MLAs and ministers can really see what people in southern Alberta believe is important.”

With some COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in recent weeks, Carolan added HALO is exploring whether or not any of their annual fundraising events can be held at a later point in 2020.