One summer evening, Chelsie Bullock was driving with her childhood friend down a road near their hometown when a one-ton truck slammed into their vehicle, tearing off most of the rear half. Chelsie was severely injured and needed an intensive care unit.
STARS was the flying ICU Chelsie needed.
STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) has been providing emergency medical service in Western Canada since 1985. It has flown more than 45,000 missions over its 36 years; almost 3,000 last year alone. Saving lives is their mission.
Motivated to change emergency care across rural Alberta, STARS founder Dr. Powell and his colleagues created a helicopter air ambulance service built and supported by the community. Since that time, STARS has grown to include locations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba with more than 450 specialized staff.
Funding for STARS comes from several sources, including government funding. The biggest source of revenue for the non-profit comes through donations and fundraising activities like STARS LOTTERY. The lottery provides critical operational funding, enough to fund one base for a year.
“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 three bases in the province from the private sector equalling $24 million. The lottery is a key component of this.”
In addition to supporting the healthcare system during the pandemic, STARS responds to medical and trauma-related requests.
Dr. Jamin Mulvey, anesthesiologist, emergency room doctor and STARS medical director, says the STARS crew have provided critical care to thousands of ill and injured Albertans by getting patients to major trauma centres faster, increasing their chances of survival.
“We are caring for patients with traumatic injuries, drownings, motor vehicle incidents and other unfortunate events, in addition to medical illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes,” said Dr. Mulvey.
STARS LOTTERY 2022 features three grand prize dream homes in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge.
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 popular Lucky STARS 50/50 is back again. Last year’s payout was $3.25 million, and this year it could be up to $4.5 million.
“When someone buys a STARS LOTTERY ticket, they help ensure STARS is available for the next patient who needs us,” says Robertson.
“Without STARS, who’s to say I would even be here?” Chelsie Bullock said. “The trained pilots and medical people on that helicopter helped me. If it wasn’t for them, I might not be alive. I think they’re amazing.
For a complete list of prizes and how to purchase your tickets, visit: ab.starslottery.ca/