One of the people credited with bringing STARS to Saskatchewan is stepping up once again to help the non-profit fundraise for its future.
Former premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall, announced via video message that he is volunteering his time to chair the air ambulance’s capital campaign, raising funds to replace its fleet and to continue to pursue excellence and innovation in patient care.
“I have always felt very strongly about STARS and the role they play in providing world-class emergency care to rural and remote areas in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and eastern British Columbia. You just need to talk to one patient cared for by STARS to know how important their life-saving service is,” said Wall. “I have had those conversations and I am looking forward to helping in whatever way I can.”
In this role, Wall will oversee provincial and local volunteer campaign chairs, which so far include Danny Cugnet (Saskatchewan), Dave Mowat (Alberta), and Lionel Robins (Grande Prairie).
In June 2018, STARS unveiled an ambitious, multi-year plan to renew its aging fleet with the help of government, business and the community. Nine new helicopters are required to replace STARS’ fleet, at a cost of $13 million each.
The Saskatchewan and Alberta provincial governments and the Government of Canada have all since pledged their support which will go a long way toward completing STARS’ fleet renewal goals. But, as Wall pointed out, the project is not done yet, and more funding is needed to help get it over the finish line.
“It’s due in large part to the former premier’s vision that we’ve been privileged to serve thousands of critically ill and injured patients in Saskatchewan over the last seven years,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS.
“Thanks to Mr. Wall’s renewed commitment, our volunteer campaign leadership team and the support of the community, we will ensure STARS continues to be there for Western Canadians for generations to come,” she said.