A Conversation with Mark Bett, Board Member of The Canadian Wings of Rescue

Have you ever wondered how you could make a meaningful impact in the world? Sometimes, it starts with lending a hand—or wings—to our furry friends in need. The Canadian Wings of Rescue (CWoR) has taken a unique approach to animal rescue, bringing together passionate volunteer pilots to transport animals to safety and new beginnings. Recently, we had the chance to chat with Mark Bett, a CWoR board member and Head of Flight Operations, about his journey and the organization’s mission.

From Wildlife Care to the Cockpit
Mark’s lifelong dedication to animals started long before he joined Canadian Wings of Rescue. With his background as a fish and wildlife technician Mark spent years working with wildlife so volunteering as a pilot with CWoR was a natural next step and an easy transition.

 

“As an animal lover, I’ve always been involved in rescues in some way,” Mark shares. “When I discovered CWoR as a private pilot over a decade ago, I jumped at the chance to volunteer my time and aircraft. After retiring, I realized the organization needed help post-pandemic, so I worked with others to restart and expand our volunteer pilot program.”

 

 

Leading the Operations with Safety First
Mark wears many hats at Canadian Wings of Rescue. As a board director, he’s involved in helping to shape the organization’s vision and strategies. As the Director of Operations, he oversees the logistics of the volunteer pilot program, ensuring safety and efficiency are always top priorities.
“We work closely with our 150 volunteer pilots across Canada, ensuring each transport meets our highest standards of safety and soundness,” Mark explains. “Our Transport Coordinators and Intake Officers do an incredible job making sure every flight is seamlessly executed. It’s our job to make each transport easy for both the pilots and the rescues.

Moments That Make a Difference
What stands out to Mark is the camaraderie within the organization. “Whether I’m coordinating flights or flying one myself, it’s rewarding to work with such dedicated people who share a passion for making a difference.”
When asked about a standout moment in his work, Mark fondly recalled flying two senior dogs, Bear and Max, from northern Ontario to their new home.
“Their aging owners made the difficult but selfless decision to surrender them to someone who could care for them. Watching strangers come together to help these dogs find a loving retirement home was unforgettable,” he says. “It’s moments like that that remind me why this work matters.”
For Mark, the impact isn’t just on the animals—it’s on the people involved as well. “Flying with a purpose is incredibly fulfilling. It’s something you never forget.”

Challenges and Triumphs
Coordinating rescue flights comes with its fair share of challenges. Bridging the gap between the animal welfare and aviation communities can be tricky.
“Non-pilot animal lovers often don’t have experience working with small aircraft, so we help educate our partners on things like flying ranges or weather restrictions,” Mark explains. “At the same time, pilots need to navigate the unique challenges that rescue organizations are faced with. Managing expectations on both sides is key.”
Despite these hurdles, the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. “Hearing from families we’ve helped or pilots who’ve had life-changing experiences keeps us motivated. It’s amazing to see how something as simple as a flight can create such profound ripple effects.”

Looking to the Future
Mark is particularly excited about CWoR’s goals for 2025, which include recruiting more volunteer pilots in underserved regions like the Maritimes and northwest Ontario.
“It’s surprising how many pilots don’t know about us yet,” he says. “Getting them involved is a win for everyone—animals get the help they need, pilots gain valuable experience and a sense of purpose, and communities get the incredible impact of coming together for a worthy cause.”

Join the Mission
Mark’s passion and dedication are echoed by every member of the organization and together, they’re rewriting the story of animal rescue in Canada, one flight at a time.
Next time you spot a small plane overhead, think about the precious cargo it might be carrying—a dog, cat, or even wildlife, like an eagle, turtle or coyote, on their way to a better life. And if you’re a pilot or someone who wants to make a difference, consider joining or supporting CWoR. With every flight, they’re giving animals—and people—new reasons to soar.