Your support makes critical care, anywhere possible.

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WHY EVERY TICKET MATTERS

When life is upended in an unforeseen, unforgiving moment, STARS answers the call. We do everything we can to turn around the worst day in someone’s life.

In 2024, STARS LOTTERY also answers the call. Our lottery will go above and beyond so our expert crews can deliver trusted, leading-edge care that saves the lives of more people in need. No matter who they are. No matter where they are.

When the unexpected happens, we’re there. Using any transportation and tools necessary to reach our patients and deliver the care that can save their lives.

critical care, anywhere

Since our very first mission in Alberta in 1985, providing critical care, anywhere has been our North Star – our guiding light in everything we do.

It all began when a pregnant woman from a rural community died from blood loss, leaving a father alone with their newborn child. To the founders of STARS, her death was a preventable one. They believed that no one should go without the critical care that could save their life, no matter where they live.

Motivated to change emergency care for patients who needed it, STARS was born. A charitable organization built by the community, for the community, STARS became the best hope for patients in a worst-case scenario.

From a single helicopter to a network of highly skilled professionals providing care in the air, on the ground, or virtually, STARS has grown into a leading-edge innovator, harnessing our passion for saving lives to shape the future of critical care.

As we’ve grown and evolved, STARS has never wavered from our mission. Fundamentally we believe that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are. If you need critical care, our mission is to be there for you in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far.

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ONE YEAR IN NUMBERS

EVERY TICKET YOU PURCHASE BUYS TIME IN A PATIENT'S FIGHT FOR LIFE.

Approximate annual cost to operate a base:

$11 Million

Daily average missions:

Missions in Manitoba last year

758

Missions since 1985:

60,000+

ABOVE INFORMATION (EXCEPT "MISSIONS TO DATE SINCE 1985" AND "MISSIONS IN MANITOBA LAST YEAR") REFLECTS YEARLY STATISTICS IN WESTERN CANADA.

STARS Very Important Patient

Willem van Lankvelt

“To anybody who has supported STARS, I can’t put into words the impact your support has had on me and my family. Thank you.”

Being out in nature, on his bike, has always been one of Willem van Lankvelt's favourite activities. So, when summer arrived, he was excited to get up to his family cabin in a remote area and start pedalling. During what Willem thought was going to be a pleasant afternoon on his bike, his ride took a life-threatening turn when he was struck by a truck.

The impact caused significant head trauma and severe internal bleeding.

Well before his accident, Willem already had a deep appreciation for STARS, having served as a paramedic for more than 16 years. He had seen firsthand the difference STARS makes in the lives of critically ill and injured patients.

Upon STARS' arrival at the scene, the air medical crew had to work quickly to stabilize Willem.

“He needed an advanced level of resuscitation before we could actually provide any of the interventions such as airway management,” said flight paramedic Ray Rempel. “He needed blood, which we were able to give him. We were able to decompress the flail chest that he had, to allow him to breathe a little bit better. His jaw was tight, and he needed medications to help loosen that up so that we could safely intubate him and clear his airway to help him give him vital oxygen.”

Thanks to the rapid provision of critical care alongside the work of our allies on the ground and at the trauma centre where Willem was taken, he has been able to make a successful recovery.

Willem credits STARS with his survival. Since his recovery, he has returned to work as a paramedic. He encourages everyone he meets to support STARS.