Peter Shokeir | [email protected]
An annual lottery has begun to fundraise for STARS Air Ambulance, which just experienced one of its busiest years on record due to the pandemic.
Launched last month, the 29th edition of STARS LOTTERY will offer ticket holders the chance to win 2,800 prizes, valued at more than $4.8 million.
鈥淔rom the beginning, STARS has been fueled by the community,鈥� said STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson in a news release.
鈥淚n Alberta, every year, STARS raises 80 per cent of the funding necessary to operate three bases in the province from the private sector equalling $24 million. The lottery is a key component of this.鈥�
Megan Thomson, manager of lotteries and special projects for STARS, explained how crews had been involved with treating suspected and confirmed COVID patients.
鈥淲e鈥檝e tried to help and support the province and the health-care system where we can, but that鈥檚 also been on top of our normal missions that we would carry out throughout the course of the year as well,鈥� Thomson said in an interview.
From April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, 10.12 per cent of patients transported by STARS were suspected of being COVID positive.
In addition to pandemic calls, STARS is still caring for patients with traumatic injuries, drownings, motor vehicle incidents and other events, in addition to medical illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes.
Each year, STARS raises 80 per cent of the funding necessary to operate three bases in the province from the private sector equalling $24 million.
Thomson explained that the lottery usually raises $11 million net for operations in Alberta, which essentially funds one base for an entire year.
鈥淎ll of our fundraising levels have definitely fluctuated, and obviously like a lot of other charities, we saw a hit to our in-person fundraising, because we weren鈥檛 able to do in-person fundraising events, so that鈥檚 definitely decreased,鈥� she said.
鈥淔ortunately, with programs like the lottery, we have benefited from the support of Albertans over the past few years.鈥�
The lottery will feature three grand prize dream homes鈥攐ne each in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge鈥攖hat won鈥檛 be open for public viewing.
The early bird prize is a lakeside mountain retreat package including a luxury chalet in Invermere, BC, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4x4, outdoor recreational toys and $50,000 cash.
The LUCKY STARS 50/50 may also have a payout of up to $4.5 million, with last year鈥檚 payout being $3.25 million.
New to the lottery is the Bon Voyage bonus prize, a $100,000 travel voucher plus $50,000 cash, or $125,000 cash.
The final deadline is March 23, with an early bird deadline of March 3 and a bonus deadline of Feb. 16.
Tickets can be purchased at
