SANTA SOARS WITH STARS TO THE ALBERTA CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

CALGARY, December 5, 2024 – STARS took on a different kind of mission today — flying Santa Claus in their helicopter to the Alberta Children’s Hospital to deliver presents and holiday cheer.

STARS helped Santa upgrade his sleigh with Mission: Hollycopter presented by TC Energy and Veren. In STARS’ merry H145 helicopter, Santa was flown from the Calgary STARS base to the Alberta Children’s Hospital on a cheerful midday mission. Adding an extra touch of holiday magic, the Calgary Police Service escorted Santa to the hospital in style with their HAWCS helicopter. At the hospital, Santa gave presents and offered children the opportunity to meet their holiday hero.

“Today, instead of flying patients to the Alberta Children’s Hospital for life-saving care, STARS is delivering holiday magic to the hospital, giving patients a chance to meet the man in red and share their wish lists,” said Katherine Emberly, STARS president and CEO. “As partners in healthcare, STARS is incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity to work with the Alberta Children’s Hospital to spread joy and wonder to the patients this holiday season.”

Santa’s flight was made possible thanks to the generosity of TC Energy and Veren, who helped ensure the sleigh had enough fuel and that every child receiving care also received a gift.

“STARS is a lifeline for our community in rural, remote, and indigenous communities across Western Canada, and we’re honoured to have been partnering with STARS through our Build Strong program for more than 35 years,” said Sharon Tomkins, Vice President Sustainability & Social Impact, TC Energy. “Thank you to STARS for keeping our communities safe every day, and for bringing the holiday magic to children and their families when they need it most.”

The Alberta Children’s Hospital is a beacon of hope for children and families facing medical challenges. Offering a comprehensive range of services, the hospital ensures children have access to the specialized care they need. Their unwavering commitment to compassionate care makes them an essential pillar to the community.

“We are so grateful to Santa for making this special trip to our hospital, and bringing the magic of the holidays to our patients and families,” says Sandy Baggott, Child Life Discipline Lead, Alberta Children’s Hospital. “It’s a wonderful distraction for our patients from the daily challenges they face and helps fill their holiday season with a bit of joy and excitement.”

While Santa had to return to the North Pole for some last-minute Christmas preparations, the magical memories created today will be cherished for years to come. To learn more about STARS, visit stars.ca, and to learn more about the Alberta Children’s Hospital, visit childrenshospital.ab.ca.

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For more information contact:
Natalie Hofstetter, Regional Communications Team Lead, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 403-516-4819

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