The HALO Air Ambulance is reaching out to the Lethbridge community to host its inaugural Flight Up the Night fundraising gala. As the only dedicated helicopter emergency medical service program in southern Alberta, the non-profit organization is looking to increase awareness and gather essential donations to keep its life-saving operations running across the region.
Operating since 2007, the air ambulance service plays a critical role in reaching remote areas, flying patients from the Saskatchewan border to British Columbia and from the United States border to points north of Lethbridge. The organization utilizes a twin-engine helicopter capable of reaching speeds of 265 kilometres per hour, significantly reducing response times for those who are critically ill or injured.
While the service receives annual funding from Alberta Health Services, this contribution covers less than half of its total operating costs. Chief executive officer Paul Carolan notes that the service remains heavily reliant on the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and local municipalities to sustain its work. The ongoing need for fundraising follows a period of financial instability during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a drop in donations nearly forced the service to close.
The upcoming gala in Lethbridge will feature live music from Luke James & Bruce. Residents interested in supporting the service can purchase tickets to the event through CanadaHelps.
The organization has seen significant growth in recent years, including the decision to internalize all aviation operations into a single hangar at the Medicine Hat Regional Airport in 2025. This move has allowed the team to streamline their life-saving missions as they continue to provide emergency medical support to southern Alberta residents.
