Organization
Wings for Humanity (WFH) is a legally incorporated non-profit entity formed by Adventist World Aviation. Adventist World Aviation operates projects all over the world, including the Philippines, Brazil, Alaska, and Guyana. While the project in Guyana operates separately from Adventist World Aviation, it is supported by and ultimately responsible to Adventist World Aviation. The missionary pilots, mechanics, and others in Guyana operate under the name of “Wings for Humanity” in order to avoid being stereotyped by those who harbor negative feelings not only about Adventists, but also about other religious groups in general.
How it Works
Soap for Hope is a project of Wings for Humanity. The soap we sell is created by native Guyanese workers from natural ingredients. We buy directly from the workers, providing them with a large profit, then we ship the soap back to the States for retail. When you buy our soap, the money we make goes directly back into Wings for Humanity to help pay for supplies and shipping, med-evac and/or body flights for the people and things like educational funds to help children in Guyana go to school.
Structure (Equipment)
Wings for Humanity traditionally operates two aircraft. The project began using a specially converted Cessna 182. The Cessna 182 is a propeller-driven, four seat aircraft which travels at approximately 130 miles per hour. Later, the project added a Cessna 206, which is also propeller-driven and travels at approximately the same speed as the 182, but has six seats and improved weight-carrying capabilities. Both aircraft have been specially converted for use as medevac aircraft for flight in and out of unimproved
History
Bill and Laura LaBore started Wings for Humanity in Guyana approximately eight years ago. Their first two years were spent in Georgetown obtaining the proper government clearances to operate in Region 1. After two years of convincing, the Guyanese government finally allowed WFH to begin work in Region 1. One of the reasons that it took so long to obtain approval is because Jonestown, where the famous mass-suicide led by Jim Jones took place, is also located in Region 1, about a forty minute walk from the Port Kaituma airstrip. Even to this day, Port Kaituma is a relatively violent region, and has a high crime rate due to alcohol and gold mining It did not take long, however, for the Guyanese government to realize the worth and potential of this project. Currently, the government works closely with WFH on almost all of their projects, and the government is requesting that they expand services into the rest of the country.
Soap For Hope 