Two strangers drive 7 hours to get 90-year-old woman home for birthday

Patricia Robinson, 90, found her flight canceled due to wildfire smoke. Along with two passengers she had just met, she rented a car and traveled for 7 hours to make it to her 90th birthday celebration.

On 8/8, a flight from Saskatoon to Kelowna, carrying Patricia Robinson to her family-organized 90th birthday celebration, was forced to return to Calgary airport after 50 minutes in the air.

Smoke from wildfires raging across western Canada closed airspace, leading to the cancellation of numerous subsequent flights that day.

Determined not to miss her party, Robinson accepted an invitation from two new acquaintances from the flight, Quinn Sedmak, 48, and Tanner Salewich, 45. They decided to rent a car and drive the long distance to Kelowna together.

From left to right: Quinn Sedmak, Patricia Robinson, and Tanner Salewich. *Photo: CBC*

Sedmak, who lives north of Kelowna, was returning home from a business trip. Salewich, a mechanic and volunteer firefighter, was eager to get back to his wife and children as the wildfire zone was close to his home.

The 7-hour road trip began at 17h. Sedmak drove, Salewich navigated, and the 90-year-old woman sat in the back seat. Along the way, they listened to comedy radio, stopped for gas and snacks, and shared stories about their families and lives.

"I completely trusted them and wasn't worried at all getting into the car with them", Robinson shared.

Hazy air due to wildfires covered Calgary airport on 8/8. *Photo: CBC*

At 0h30 the next morning, the two men safely dropped Robinson at Kelowna International Airport to meet her son. Robinson insisted on splitting the car rental cost evenly with her two new friends.

"She's truly a wonderful woman", Salewich said. "We had a very interesting conversation".

"She was optimistic, cheerful, open, and non-judgmental", Sedmak added. "We shared many stories, laughs, and a memorable journey with someone who has a truly inspiring outlook on life".

The Bald Range wildfire erupted in Summerland, British Columbia, on 8/8. *Photo: AP*

Robinson turned 90 on 15/8, the same day Salewich turned 45. They wished each other a happy birthday and promised to stay in touch.

Robinson's daughter-in-law shared the story on social media, attracting significant attention from Canadian media. Many readers expressed emotion at the kindness and openness strangers showed each other.

"Amidst countless uncertainties, people just need something heartwarming to believe there are still many good people out there", Robinson expressed after a trip she called one of the most memorable experiences of her life.