August 13, 2025 | 40 Years of STARS, Allies, Community

STARS 40th anniversary celebrations continue throughout 2025

Attendees in the foreground look inside a STARS H145 air ambulance helicopter while a member of the STARS operations team details working inside. The photo is taken from an elevated angle, in the background other attendees look at exhibits and table displays setup during the Open House event held at the Calgary base in celebration of STARS' 40th anniversary.

STARS’ 40th anniversary celebrations are underway, with plenty of ways to honour the history of the organization.

We’ve opened our doors to the public and our supporters through open houses at our six bases. These events give staff, donors, volunteers, STARS Very Important Patients (VIPs), alumni, and allies of STARS — such as municipalities and partners — an opportunity to get a little closer to our operations and learn about the four-decade milestone.

“Our history and legacy are important. There are stories, people, and events that have shaped us,” said Meagin Huisman, volunteer and VIP coordinator and lead on the 40th anniversary open houses. “Preserving and celebrating our history helps us understand what we stand for and how far we have come. In hosting these events, we are meeting so many amazing people, learning more and more about our history, while showcasing to our allies how we are continuing to build towards the future.”

Calgary

Calgary opened its doors on July 8. Guests checked out the STARS Mobile Education Unit (MEU), a helicopter, an alumni display, and kids’ tables and refreshments. There was also a legacy wall, and a special tribute to Dr. Greg Powell.

Attendees in the foreground look inside a STARS H145 air ambulance helicopter while a member of the STARS operations team details working inside. The photo is taken from an elevated angle, in the background other attendees look at exhibits and table displays setup during the Open House event held at the Calgary base in celebration of STARS' 40th anniversary.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg hosted its open house on June 12. More than 60 visitors, including several MLAs, toured the base. Guests also had an opportunity to view renderings for a much-anticipated addition to the existing facility.

Attendees tour the STARS Winnipeg hangar during an open house at the STARS Winnipeg Base in celebration of STARS' 40th Anniversary. One attendee sits in the cockpit of a STARS H145 air ambulance helicopter, while a STARS pilot explains a detail. Other attendees are in the background talking to STARS operations staff.

Regina

Regina hosted its open house on May 2. More than 80 community guests, many of whom had never accessed our STARS facility — attended the event.

Other open houses at our remaining three bases will round out the rest of the year as we build toward Dec. 1, the anniversary of our very first mission in 1985. Discover the moments that shaped STARS over the past 40 years — and share your own memories as part of our anniversary celebration. Visit stars.ca/forty to learn more.