3 Strangers Drive 7 Hours to Kelowna After Wildfire Cancels 40 Flights
Updated
Updated · CBC Sports · Aug 10
3 Strangers Drive 7 Hours to Kelowna After Wildfire Cancels 40 Flights
2 articles · Updated · CBC Sports · Aug 10
Summary
A 7-hour drive through the Rockies got 90-year-old Patricia Robinson to Kelowna after wildfire smoke forced her WestJet flight to turn back to Calgary.
The Bald Range fire near Summerland disrupted operations at Kelowna airport, scrubbing 40 flights and leaving Robinson, Quinn Sedmak and auxiliary firefighter Tanner Salewich stranded.
A WestJet gate attendant reunited the trio at Calgary airport after they were separated, allowing them to rent a car and continue the trip together with only brief stops.
The ride turned into a birthday story Robinson called a “special gift” after she and Salewich discovered they share the same Aug. 15 birthday—his 45th, her 90th.
Amid wider wildfire losses in British Columbia, Sedmak said he hoped the episode would inspire others to do small acts of kindness without seeking recognition.