STARS RESCUE ON THE PRAIRIE PRESENTED BY WESTERN SALES RAISES OVER $500,000 FOR CRITICAL CARE IN SASKATCHEWAN

SASKATOON, September 13, 2024 – Five local community business leaders braved the elements yesterday to raise an astonishing $506,388 and counting in support of STARS’ operations in Saskatchewan.

For this year’s Rescue on the Prairie presented by Western Sales, five participants from across different sectors were airlifted to a remote location south of Saskatoon with the goal of raising $50,000 each in order to be “rescued” and earn their flight back home. Each competitor took on a series of challenges throughout the day and made phone calls to friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and beyond to help them reach their fundraising goal. Donations will continue to be collected and added to the final total throughout the week.

“Our Rescue on the Prairie participants accomplished something remarkable today by raising over $500,000 for STARS,” said Jeri-Lynn Johnston, vice president, Foundation, STARS. “As an organization, the lifesaving work we do would not be possible without the support of both our government partners and our generous community allies. On behalf of all of us at STARS, I want to express my immense gratitude to each of our participants for their willingness to take on the challenge, and enabling us to continue providing critical care, wherever it’s needed.”

This year’s participants included Ashley Turner, realtor with Century 21 Fusion; Bryan Somerville, president of Somerville Farms Ltd.; Kendra Wack, founder and executive director of Degree Three; Reagan McGrath, vice president of sales for Western Sales; and Shayne Dueck, business advisor for MNP. Each participant was paired with a STARS air medical crew member who supported them throughout the day.

“Rescue on the Prairie was an incredible experience and I left with a much better understanding of all the factors that go into a STARS mission,” said participant Shayne Dueck, who won four of six challenges from the day. “It was humbling to see such generosity pouring in from people, businesses and communities across Saskatchewan that understand the importance of STARS, and that their presence in the province can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.”

From the readiness challenge to see who could suit up fastest and race to the helicopter, to the obstacle course-style medical challenge that put their tourniquet skills to the test, each task gave participants an inside look into the various components and complexities that make up a STARS mission. The winner of each challenge received a sponsored cash donation to go towards their fundraising goal or an advantage in subsequent challenges.

“Our Rescue events are incredibly special because they are so much more than just fundraisers,” says Dr. John Froh, chief medical officer, STARS. “These events show exactly what it takes to be successful on any STARS mission, like staying calm under pressure, teamwork and being able to think quickly and take on new challenges. Most importantly, though, Rescues show us that it takes a community to save a life.”

Rescue on the Prairie is the first of three Rescue events being held by STARS this month. Rescue on the River will take place in Manitoba on Sept. 19, and Alberta’s Rescue in the Rockies will be held on Sept. 24.

For more information about STARS rescue events and how to get involved please visit STARS.ca

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For more information contact:
Natalie Hofstetter, Regional Communications Team Lead, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277 | stars.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