Helicopters Magazine

News EMS
STARS Lottery remains crucial to fundraising during pandemic

January 20, 2021  By Helicopters Staff


Logo courtesy of STARS

While they look different wearing protective masks and gowns to protect against the coronavirus, STARS crews continue to fly missions daily for Albertans in desperate need of medical care. The 28th edition of the STARS lottery, helps make that possible while offering the chance to win 2,500 prizes, valued at over $4.8 million.

“From the beginning, STARS has been fuelled by the community,” said STARS president and CEO, Andrea Robertson. “In Alberta, every year, STARS raises 80 per cent of the funding necessary to operate its three bases in the province from the private sector; that equates to $24 million. The lottery is a key component of this.”

The health-care system in Alberta is feeling the strain of COVID-19 and STARS has also been impacted. As the number of COVID-19 cases grows, STARS is seeing a surge of infected and suspected patients requiring urgent critical care and transport. In November 2020, at the outset of the second wave of the pandemic, slightly more than 18 per cent of all STARS missions across the Prairies were related to patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

“Thousands of critically ill and injured Albertans have been cared for and transported in our flying intensive care units, arriving at major trauma centres faster, increasing their chances of survival,” said Robertson. “An example of this was when our Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie bases all quickly responded to the tragic tour bus crash at the Columbia Icefield last year. When someone buys a STARS lottery ticket, they help ensure STARS is available for the next patient who needs us.”

Advertisement

The 2021 STARS lottery features three grand prize show homes: one in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. With the current health restrictions in Alberta, and our commitment to keeping everyone safe, the show homes will not be open to the public this year.

The early bird prize is a dream home away from home – a townhouse in Kelowna, BC, valued at over $1 million, and the popular LUCKY STARS 50/50 is back again. Last year’s payout was $2.8 million, and this year it could be up to $3.25 million.

STARS usually launches its lottery from the grand prize show home locations. However, due to current physical distancing and gathering restrictions, there are no in-person launch events this year. Those interested can buy a ticket |HERE|

Lottery licence number is 565663. LUCKY STARS 50/50 licence number is 565664.

Advertisement

Stories continue below