Community leaders participate in 'rescue' fundraiser for STARS
Four members of the community were tasked with competing to raise the most money in the sixth annual Stars Rescue on the Prairie fundraising event.
On Thursday morning, the participants were airlifted by STARS helicopter to an undisclosed location. There, they took part in several medical and aviation challenges, while contacting people in their personal networks to donate to the cause. Each participant needed to raise at least $50,000 to secure their flight back to Regina.
Wayne Morsky, board chair for Regina Exhibition Association Limited, was one of the participants.
“It’s a great cause, and I put my hand up right away when I was asked,” said Morsky.
Morsky said, while he has never needed to use STARS, he has had family and friends rely on the service.
“It’s something that I hope we never have to use, but when you do need it, it is there for you,” he said. “It’s a great cause. Especially now with all the things that have happened with our frontline workers. I wanted to put my support behind them.”
STARS air ambulance gets ready to take off as part of the sixth annual STARS Rescue on the Prairies. (Taylor Rattray/CTV News)
STARS air ambulance gets ready to take off as part of the sixth annual STARS Rescue on the Prairies. (Taylor Rattray/CTV News)
Ryan Saxon, participant and president of Border Insulators and RR Tank and Equipment, said it’s vital for our province to have STARS, especially given the rural nature of Saskatchewan.
“On the whole oil side of things, and also the farming as well. It’s such a big area to cover. It’s really important to have them,” Saxon said.
The 2020 Rescue on the Prairie event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2019 fundraiser, held near Saskatoon, raised more than $360,000 for the non-profit organization.
“Fifty per cent of our funding comes from the community. And every dime goes directly towards the mission,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS CEO. “It is critically important to keep us flying and there for the people of Saskatchewan.”
STARS expects to have the final fundraiser total on Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.