STARS’ fleet renewal capital campaign has received a major boost with a $1.5 million gift from Birchcliff Energy, helping to secure a new H145 helicopter to serve the Grande Prairie region.

The Keep the Fight in Flight campaign launched in 2018 across Western Canada to renew STARS’ aging aircraft fleet with new Airbus H145 helicopters, at a cost of $13 million each.

Birchcliff Energy is one of the largest donors to STARS’ fleet renewal initiative, with a $500,000 donation early in the campaign preceding the latest $1.5 million gift. The company has been one of STARS’ most dedicated allies since the Grande Prairie base opened over 15 years ago, with total giving now at more than $3.6 million.

“Birchcliff is proud to be a long-term supporter of STARS,” said Jeff Tonken, Chief Executive Officer of Birchcliff Energy. “The health and safety of our employees, our contractors and the communities where we operate is of paramount importance to Birchcliff, and STARS is a critical service that provides a vital health link to communities throughout Northern Alberta. Our ability to make this gift to STARS is a direct result of the hard work and successful execution of our business plan by Birchcliff’s employees.”

As a non-profit charity, STARS relies on donors to help achieve excellence and drive innovation in critical care. Birchcliff’s gift will ensure northern residents and industry personnel who work throughout the vast remote regions of Northern Alberta and Northeastern British Columbia will continue to receive the best in emergency critical care, with the latest in flight and technical capabilities offered by the new H145.

“With support from committed, long-time donors like Birchcliff Energy, people working, travelling and playing across Alberta continue to have access to critical care when they need it most,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO.

STARS has flown hundreds of missions in the new helicopters since receiving its first H145 aircraft in 2019. Thanks to government, community and corporate support, the renewed fleet will be implemented at all six STARS bases across Western Canada later this year.

“STARS was built by the community for the community, and it’s generous contributions from organizations like Birchcliff Energy that help ensure we can be there for the next patient who needs us,” Robertson said.