Patients celebrate 30 years of lives saved by the lottery on a mission

ALBERTA, Jan. 19, 2023 – The 30th edition of STARS LOTTERY launched to the public today at four in-person events across the province, giving Albertans a chance to win more than 2,100 prizes valued at over $4.8 million – and giving patients in need a second chance at life.

While the lottery’s prizes may have evolved over the last thirty years, its life-saving purpose has remained constant. “Since 1993, the lottery has been our largest fundraiser; a critical part of our funding model,” said STARS chief fundraising and brand officer, Terri Strunk. “The community has supported the lottery from the very beginning, helping to save the lives of thousands of friends, neighbours and loved-ones across Alberta.”

One life saved was that of Calgary resident Marcia Birkigt, who survived a brutal cougar attack on a mountaintop worksite due to the quick response and critical care expertise of the STARS crew. “Thanks to everyone at STARS, but thanks to everybody who keeps STARS in the sky. Without them, I might not be here,” said Birkigt.

STARS LOTTERY helps propel innovation, fueling the not-for-profit’s ability to pioneer practices like carrying blood on board, providing world-class mobile education and accelerating the use of pre-hospital diagnostic ultrasound.

“Research and education are central to our work, and the lottery helps us find ways to advance care for everyone in the years to come,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO. “When someone buys a STARS LOTTERY ticket, they enable us to deliver leading-edge care that saves lives – anywhere it’s required.”

The 2023 lottery features three gorgeous grand prize dream homes: one each in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the homes are once again open to the public.

The early bird prize is a luxurious lakefront townhome in West Kelowna, B.C. valued at $878,365. The popular LUCKY STARS 50/50 is back again and will see one lucky winner receive up to $4.5 million cash. This year’s bonus prize is a 2023 Winnebago Solis 59P RV – a getaway vehicle made for great escapes – or a $150,000 cash alternative. Thousands of other prizes round out the offering, including vacations, cash, luxury vehicles and more.

For more info. contact: Mark Oddan, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 306-291-0110 | starslottery.ca

ABOUT STARS

STARS was born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is your best hope in a worst-case scenario. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you — physically or virtually — in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. Learn more at STARS.CA