Lottery helps keep STARS flying the friendly skies

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STARS’ mission is saving lives and the annual lottery is key in ensuring they’re able to do so. Their patients are the reason they fly, and STARS LOTTERY this year has over 2,800 prizes all together worth over $4.8 million.
“We have three grand prizes which are fully furnished dream homes: one in Calgary, one in Lethbridge and one in Edmonton,” said Megan Thomson, Manager of Lotteries and special projects with STARS.
Their popular Early Bird prize is back, featuring a brand new package this year: a Lakeside Mountain Retreat Package which includes a luxury chalet in Invermere, B.C, a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, recreational toys and $50,000 cash.
In addition to the golden grand prizes, they have luxury vehicles, great escapes, epic experiences, cash and lots of other prizes up for grabs.
“We are also excited that our LUCKY STARS 50/50 is back, which is the largest 50/50 we have ever done. The winner could take home up to $4.5 million. Last year the winner took home $3.25 million,” said Thomson.
STARS LOTTERY fuels their innovation, from medical equipment and procedures to aviation tools like night vision goggles, and training aids like human patient
simulators. None of that would be possible without the lottery and the strong support they receive from the community across Alberta.
“Support from Albertans has made STARS LOTTERY a success for over two decades now, and we raise about $11 million net annually for our operations in Alberta, which essentially funds one base for an entire year,” said Thomson.
STARS was born out of necessity, as too many people living in rural areas were dying needlessly because they were not receiving the care they needed fast
enough.
Since 1985 they have proudly flown more than 45,000 missions. Thousands of Albertans have been touched by STARS including patients, their families, their friends, but also their communities.
STARS brings the flying intensive care units to critically ill and injured Albertans every day. Their team of paramedics, nurses, transport physicians, pilots and helicopters begin providing critical care to their patients from the moment they land on scene until they arrive at hospital.
“We fly an average of five missions a day from our three Alberta bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grand Prairie and we flew over 1,400 missions in Alberta alone last year,” said Thomson.
They are about 20 per cent government-funded in Alberta and the remaining 80 per cent of their funding comes from fundraising initiatives, with the Lottery
being the largest one.
“From the beginning, STARS has been fueled by the community. In Alberta, every year, STARS raises 80 percent of the funding necessary to operate three bases
in the province from the private sector equaling $24 million. The lottery is a key component of this,” said STARS president and CEO, Andrea Robertson.
Tickets are available online at starslottery.ca or by calling 1-855-STARS-68

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