STARS’ critical care operations have been given a significant lift, thanks to a recent gift of $1.5 million from Calgary-based oil producer Crescent Point Energy.

The announcement was made online at the PSAC STARS and Spurs Safe@Home Gala on Feb. 27 and renews a partnership between Crescent Point and STARS that began nearly ten years ago when the energy corporation was instrumental in establishing the air ambulance’s operations in Saskatchewan. Since that time, Crescent Point has continued to contribute to help STARS grow and extend its impact.

“As the lead and founding donor in launching STARS’ Saskatchewan operations, we are proud to have played a role in bringing helicopter emergency medical services to the province. STARS provides an opportunity to save lives and better serve patients and their families, particularly those in rural and remote areas. They provide helicopter emergency medical services for critically ill and injured patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Western Canada,” said Craig Bryska, President and CEO of Crescent Point.

“We believe support for this essential service is critical now more than ever. Through the COVID-19 pandemic we have learned the importance of having access to emergency medical care,” said Bryska.

With this renewed gift, Crescent Point has provided more than $7.3 million in support of the not-for-profit’s operations across Western Canada over the past decade.

“From the very beginning, Crescent Point Energy has aligned with our vision and mission to be there for the next patient who needs us, and we are grateful for the partnership we have built together,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO.

“Our supporters ride along with us on every mission, and we’re honoured to have Crescent Point as a generous ally in our fight to save lives across Western Canada,” said Robertson.