Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) is a not-for-profit organization that relies on government, corporate and community support to save lives. Since its inception in 1985, STARS has flown more than 36,000 missions across Western Canada.
Recently, STARS gave four prominent Alberta CEOs a beautiful aerial view of the of Rocky Mountains – and then stranded all four of them in a remote mountain location in Kananaskis. The “stranding” was all for a very good cause. It was STARS’ CEO Rescue in the Rockies event – the organization’s largest single-day fundraiser.
In addition to each CEO having the challenge of calling their colleagues, friends, families and fellow philanthropists to raise $100,000 each for their “rescue,” the CEOs also underwent a series of readiness, survival and STARS medical challenges.
Brookline Public Relations managed the media relations for the event, ensuring widespread coverage in Edmonton and Calgary. Between Brookline and the CEOs’ valiant efforts, 93 per cent of the $400,000 fundraising goal was raised. The top donors of the event were: Tim Harvie, Doug McNeill, Quinn Holtby, the Stream-Flo Group of Companies’ employees, and Dale & Renee Unruh.
“Thousands of people every year rely on STARS for advanced care and direct transport to hospitals, and this event plays a significant role in STARS’ ability to provide Albertans with the highest level of care,” says Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO. “Our allies help us soar. The support of Mark McNeill with Stream-Flo Industries, Quinn Holtby with Katch Kan, Tim Harvie with Southbow Farming and Reid Johnson with CORE Network Solutions, as well as their organizations, is what fuels our passion and our innovation as we deliver vital care to those who need it the most.”
This was the sixth annual CEO Rescue in the Rockies event, and while it put the fun in fundraiser for everyone involved, it’s not the only event where people from across Alberta can contribute to the non-profit organization’s great cause. For 24 years, STARS has partnered with The Petroleum Services Association of Canada for the PSAC STARS & Spurs Gala, a western-themed night with food, dancing, entertainment and a live and silent auction. This event supports STARS through ticket sales and through the auction sales. To learn more about attending or donating to this event, which will take place in January, visit starsandspursgala.ca.
The bright red STARS helicopter is a symbol of hope and expert emergency care for anyone that is critically in need of treatment. STARS provides safe, rapid, specialized emergency medical transport from its bases in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Without STARS, many people would not have the second chance at life they deserve.
As a non-profit organization, STARS relies on government funding, fundraisers, corporate sponsorship and individual donations. Every dollar donated to STARS counts, and your attendance and support of STARS’ fundraising events helps to save lives. To learn more about STARS, please visit www.stars.ca/ab.