Partnering with Helicopters Without Borders Charitable Society to build stronger communities – join us in making a difference today.
Helicopters Without Borders (HWB) is a Vancouver-based registered charity dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps for remote and historically underserved communities across British Columbia. Through its fully carbon neutral flight operations, HWB transports medical professionals, essential supplies, and wellness resources directly to communities that are often socially marginalized and face barriers to consistent care.
Since its founding in 2021, the organization has supported more than 15,000 individuals, delivering a wide range of health services – from primary care to preventative care, mental health support to dental care.
Mission
Providing healthcare access through aviation.
Vision
Equitable healthcare for ALL Canadians regardless of location.
Values
Empathy: Community-first, trauma-informed care.
Creativity: Innovative solutions beyond traditional healthcare models.
Integrity: Transparent, ethical, and accountable operations.
Wellbeing: Supporting Physical, mental, emotional, and community health.
Highlights
- Founded in response to the persistent gaps in healthcare access faced by remote communities, even those located relatively close to urban centres.
- 19% of Canadians live in remote or rural areas. Traditional travel-based care models often fail these populations due to cost, time, and logistical barriers.
- A wide range of programs offered.
- Transport of up to 12 people at 250km/h, direct, with a 650km flight range.
- Carbon Neutral: we offset all emissions with carbon credits purchased through the Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative.
- Identify & address prevention and determinants of health in communities to work towards long-term solutions/success.
Communities
Regular flights to 12+ communities throughout coastal & northern-coastal British Columbia, including:
- Ahousaht
- Hesquiaht
- Wuikinuxv
- Nuchatiaht
- Huuayaht
- Ditidaht
- Tyastannis
- Xa’xsta
- Kitasoo
- Klahoose
- Kingcome Inlet
- Gilford Island
Programs & Services
Clinical Services
- Primary and team-based care
- Dental clinics
- Diabetes screening and support
- Cancer screening
- Audiology, optometry, physiotherapy
Wellness & Support
- Mental health and addiction services
- Social work
- Indigenous knowledge keepers and Elders
Public Health & Logistics
- Vaccination teams
- Food security transport
- Emergency response
Our Impact
At a glance, since 2021:
Benefits
Community & Family Benefits
- Improved individual and family wellbeing and overall quality of life.
- Care delivered directly in-community, eliminating lengthy & disruptive travel.
- No out-of-pocket expenses for patients.
- Greater continuity of care and appropriate follow-up.
- Multiple health and wellness services delivered through a single provider.
Practitioner & Workforce Benefits
- Simplified, shorter travel for remote healthcare professionals.
- Expanded recruitment reach from major urban centres.
- Opportunity for relationship-building through in-community engagement.
- Supports long-term practitioner retention in remote care delivery.
Emergency Response & Operational Flexibility
- Aircraft can be rapidly reassigned to emergency response and relief efforts.
- Ability to land near health centres, community hubs, and a range of terrains.
- Programs and services are customized to meet the specific needs of each community.
Health System & Cost Benefits
- Up to 75% cost savings compared to traditional travel-out healthcare models.
- Mobile equipment and teams serve multiple communities efficiently.
- Reduced clinical downtime and increased practitioner efficiency.
Cultural Safety & Relationship Building
- Carefully selected teams prioritize trust, respect, and community-led engagement.
- Relationship-based care reduces resistance to external healthcare and strengthens confidence in health systems over time.
- Programs delivered with cultural awareness and collaboration alongside Indigenous knowledge holders and community leadership.
Key Donors & Partners
