STARS RESCUE ON THE RIVER RAISES OVER $700,000 IN MONUMENTAL SUPPORT

EDMONTON, Sept. 19, 2025 – Yesterday, six esteemed industry leaders took on a series of STARS simulation challenges to help raise over $700,000 in monumental support of STARS’ life-saving work.

Beginning at the STARS base in Edmonton, particpants were airlifted by a backup STARS H145 air ambulance helicopter to an undisclosed location. During the STARS simulation challenges, participants simultaneously called friends, family, and colleagues to help meet a fundraising goal of at least $50,000 each to earn their flight home. Funds raised through Rescue on the River directly support the delivery of advanced critical care to the next patient in need.

“Today demonstated how vital community support is in helping continue the life-saving work we do at STARS,” said Mike Lamacchia, Chief Operating Officer, Provincial Operations at STARS. “Rescue events are one of our most interactive fundraising initiatives of the year. They offer our community a behind-the- scenes look at the daily life-saving operations of our air medical crew—and show the complexity it takes for missions to be successful.”

“Getting a behind-the-scenes look at STARS’ incredible operations was humbling,” said Brandon Spiller, Rescue Participant and CEO of Sublatus Inc. “The level of preparation, expertise, and care that goes into every mission is truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder of why this cause matters so much—not just to me, but to everyone working in the remote and high-risk industries we serve.”

Participants competed in a series of challenges around engineering, fundraising, medical, and STARS Vigilant. At every step, they were paired with a STARS air medical crew member. The participants who took part in the fundraising event were:

• Tony Bagga CEO and Director of Northern Lakeland Indigenous Alliance, Lake First Nations, and Black Wolf Molecular Solutions.
• Mark Beck CEO of GCS General Contracting Services Inc., HML Contracting Ltd., Cattail Crossing Golf & Winter Club, and OMNIA Training.
• Christy Elliot Senior Vice-President of Sustainability, External Affairs and General Council at Keyera Corp.
• Lorne Gould Vice-President of Health, Safety and Environment at ConocoPhillips Canada.
• Jeff Granberg Executive Chairman and Majority Owner of PD Group Companies Inc.
• Brandon Spiller CEO of Sublatus Inc.

Rescue on the River in Alberta is the second of three Rescue events held by STARS. Rescue on the River in Manitoba took place in May 2025 and Rescue on the Prairie in Saskatoon is set for Sept. 24, 2025.

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

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For more information contact:

Angela Anderson-Blunt, Director Marketing & Communications, STARS | mediainfo@stars.ca | 1-866-966-8277

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