A smiling group of Lions from Cranbrook gathered in the hangar at the YXC airport recently to make a $1,000 donation to the good folks at Angel Flight East Kootenay.
Angel Flight is a fully volunteer society that provides free transportation for medical patients who need to get from Cranbrook (and the East Kootenays) to Kelowna. It was begun by Brent Bidston of Fernie, who retired as a pilot with Korean Air. When Brent isn’t flying patients to Kelowna, he might be found at his other passion, flying air search and rescue in the Rocky Mountains.
The Lions Club of Cranbrook is a group of Cranbrook area residents who are bound and committed to support our local community. They raise funds in several ways and spend their time looking for how to make our community stronger, safer, and more inclusive.
“I have not had to use Angel Flight myself,” said Lion Kevin Higgins, “but I know several people who have. With so many folks needing radiation treatment, or heart specialist work, or other treatments not available in Cranbrook, it is a huge relief to have this service available. I am always amazed how easy they make getting to Kelowna and back.” Angel Flight uses the hangar and facilities of Bid Air.
While the cheque presentation was being made the Cessna 414A was being overhauled for its regular annual maintenance. None of the Lions members were allowed to play with the tools, though several of them looked longingly at the work being done.
The Lions Club of Cranbrook holds its dinner meeting monthly on the fourth Monday at Auntie Barb’s on Industrial Road #1. Anyone wishing to join this community service group should contact Curtis Bell at 250-420-1309.
