Squamish resident and recreational pilot David Vargas has teamed up with volunteer-run charity Canadian Wings of Rescue to help transport stray cats to their new homes in British Columbia, the organization said in a press release.
Canadian Wings of Rescue partners with animal rescue groups, shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centres to arrange free, short flights for animals across Canada. The organization relies on volunteer pilots to move rescued pets and wildlife to fosters, adopters, and rehabilitation centres.
Vargas, who earned his pilot’s licence in 2023 and flies out of Squamish Municipal Airport, said the opportunity to combine aviation with animal welfare was rewarding. “Flying with a purpose is so fulfilling,” Vargas said. “I’ve been a pet owner all my life, so combining my love of animals with aviation just made sense.” On his first flights with the charity, Vargas transported two cats, Sophie and Kento, and met one of their adoptive families on arrival.
Mark Bett, head of flight operations for Canadian Wings of Rescue, said the charity’s work shows “compassion in motion.”
“We’re always looking for new pilots, especially in central communities like Squamish, to join our growing network,” he added.
