“When our twin girls were born prematurely and we learned they would need specialized care, we thought we might have to move to the city to make sure they could access the care they needed,” said the family. “Angel Flight has made it possible for us to stay at home while still accessing that specialized care.”
The Thompson family travels to Kelowna every few months for appointments. The flights provided through Angel Flight East Kootenay have helped reduce both the financial burden and stress associated with medical travel.
“It is an incredible service, and we are so deeply grateful,” they said. “We need to travel to Kelowna every few months for appointments and knowing that even a portion of the financial burden is lifted takes away so much stress for our family.”
Founded in 2019, Angel Flight East Kootenay is a volunteer-run charitable organization that provides free flights for East Kootenay residents travelling to medical appointments in Kelowna.
The service removes barriers to care for patients and families who would otherwise face lengthy drives, overnight stays and significant travel costs.
For the Thompsons, the support has gone beyond transportation.
“On top of that, the process of signing up and coordinating the logistics has been incredibly easy and seamless. During a time when there is already so much to think about, having this support has been an enormous gift to our family.”
As demand for the service continues to grow, Angel Flight East Kootenay is now raising funds toward the purchase of a newer aircraft that will help ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Replacing the current aircraft with a newer model will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs and allow Angel Flight to continue serving East Kootenay patients for years to come.
“Stories like the Thompsons’ remind us why this service exists,” said Brent Bidston, Founder of Angel Flight East Kootenay. “Our goal has always been to ensure people can access the medical care they need without having to leave their community or face significant financial hardship.”
Today, Angel Flight East Kootenay continues to provide a vital link to specialized healthcare for residents across the region, operating flights between Cranbrook and Kelowna every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
“We are truly grateful for Angel Flight and for everyone who makes this service possible,” said the Thompson family. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
To learn more about Angel Flight East Kootenay, request a flight or support the organization’s new aircraft fundraising campaign, visit www.angelflightek.ca.
As originally published in Today in BC, on October 20, 2026:https://todayinbc.com/2026/10/20/angel-flight-provides-vital-service-for-east-kootenay-patients/?utm_campaign=Kootenay%20-%20Kootenay%20Daily%20Dish&utm_content=&utm_term=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Adestra
