The Canadian company Helijet International, in partnership with the Ukrainian World Congress, Maple Hope Foundation and Initiative E+, has handed over a Sikorsky S-76A air ambulance to Ukraine.

This is stated in the company’s press release.

The company and partner organizations have been working for eight months to deliver the helicopter to Ukraine.

Previously, this aircraft was leased by Health Canada to transport patients in British Columbia.

Despite being decommissioned, the helicopter has sufficient resources to continue its intended operation.

The company handed over the S-76A under the condition that it will be used exclusively for non-commercial, humanitarian and medical evacuation missions in Ukraine.

In November, Helijet, together with the Vancouver-based Maplewood Hope Foundation, hosted two Ukrainian pilots and two engineers to prepare for the helicopter’s operation.

In addition, Maple Leaf Hope launched a nationwide fundraising campaign that allowed Ukrainians from across Canada to contribute to the funding of the delivery.

In three weeks, the initiative raised $101,530 from more than 730 donors.

Philanthropists are advancing air ambulance services

Earlier, on January 24, 2024 , it was reported that the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine received a Mi-2 AM1 air ambulance helicopter from Polish philanthropists.

The helicopter was handed over thanks to the volunteer initiative Zbroimy Ukrainę – a charity campaign in support of the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces organized by concerned Polish citizens after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Mi-2 AM1 donated by the benefactors is equipped with modern medical equipment that allows for provision of assistance to evacuees from the frontline areas right in the air. It can accommodate 2-3 wounded on board.

Before that, on January 19, the DIU received an air ambulance Mi-2 as part of the Donate to Evacuate initiative from the KSE Foundation and DefDev charitable foundations, the Olena Zelenska Foundation.