STARS celebrates historic $3 million gift from Manitoba Blue Cross supporting critical care for Manitobans over the next decade

Winnipeg, December 16, 2025 — STARS is proud to announce an historic gift from Manitoba Blue Cross, who have pledged a generous $3 million to support STARS’ critical mission operations throughout Manitoba over the next ten years. This is the largest donation ever provided to STARS in the province.

In recognition of this transformative gift, STARS will rename its base at the Winnipeg Airport as the STARS Manitoba Blue Cross Winnipeg Base, symbolizing both organizations’ shared commitment to ensuring the health and safety of Manitobans for years to come.

“Since establishing our permanent base in Manitoba in 2012, STARS has become a trusted provider of critical care, completing over 10,000 missions to communities across the province,” said Dr. John Froh, STARS President and CEO. “This extraordinary investment by Manitoba Blue Cross strengthens the foundation of our operations and enhances our ability to deliver world-class critical care anywhere in Manitoba for years to come.”

The announcement also unveiled plans for an expansion of the STARS Winnipeg base, which was established in 2012. The expansion, expected to be complete in late 2026, will include a new state-of-the-art medical simulation lab and additional space for crew and equipment—ensuring STARS can continue delivering world-class critical care in Manitoba well into the future.

“At Manitoba Blue Cross, we believe that caring for the community means showing up not only in moments of celebration, but especially in times of urgency, uncertainty and need,” said Benjamin Graham, Manitoba Blue Cross President and CEO. “That’s why partnering with STARS is such a natural fit, as we share a deep commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Manitobans. We’re truly proud as the naming rights partner for their Winnipeg base to know that our support is ensuring that communities across our province can continue to access the critical, lifesaving support that STARS delivers.”

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For more information contact:
Blake Robert, STARS Media Relations | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277

ABOUT STARS
STARS is a charity, 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 many patients’ best hope in a worst-case scenario. Thanks to support from generous community partners, we provide critical care—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 or donate at stars.ca.

ABOUT MANITOBA BLUE CROSS
Manitoba Blue Cross has been a leading health benefits provider in the province for over 50 years, providing a comprehensive range of health, dental, employee assistance, life, disability, wellness and travel coverage that is among the best in the industry. As a not-for-profit, the organization puts people and service first. Manitoba Blue Cross’s bottom line is about supporting the health and well-being of all Manitobans, with the goal of providing better care for their members, expanding community impact and broadening their health care
knowledge.