STARS aims to improve helicopter fleet through critical donations

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on July 21, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

Thanks to a $500,000 gift from BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions, STARS is one step closer to being able to renew its helicopter fleet.

“At BASF, we are committed to building safe and healthy communities across Canada, which is why supporting STARS was a natural fit,” said Jonathan Sweat, Vice President, BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions, in a press release.

He said the investment they are making will ensure that farming communities across Western Canada continue to have access to critical care for years to come.

The donation will be used by STARS for mission operations and to help purchase medically-equipped Airbus H145 helicopters at a cost of $13 million each. The new helicopters will help STARS deliver vital care to patients across the Prairies and parts of British Columbia for the next 30 years or more.

The announcement took place at STARS base in Saskatoon recently and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe was grateful for their generous donation.

“It is amazing to know that in those moments of crisis, such as an accident or medical emergency, the incredible team at STARS is able to provide their lifesaving services across Saskatchewan because of the incredible generosity we are seeing today,” said Scott in a release.

STARS has been flying missions in the new Airbus H145 helicopters since mid-2019, thanks to government, community and corporate support of an ambitious capital campaign. The remainder of the new fleet is being implemented at all six of its bases this year.Â

“We’re so grateful for the support of our allies in the agriculture sector, as we serve the same areas they serve where growers, suppliers and their families live, work and play,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS President and CEO, in a press release.

According to the release Saskatchewan grower Adair O’Grady knows that to be true, since STARS was able to fight for his life by providing critical care and transport after he sustained life-threatening injuries while seeding in 2015.

He thanked the agricultural community for stepping up to support STARS.

“If STARS wasn’t here, my outcome would have been totally different,” said O’Grady in a statement.