The STARS Lottery is sold out.
This is good news, says Mike Lamacchia, vice-president of operations for Alberta and Saskatchewan, because while the prizes are great, the cause is greater.
The money not only lets Albertans win prizes, but also saves lives, helping families on possibly one of the worst days of their lives.
The lottery draw, which will start Thursday, will continue for a couple of weeks, Lamacchia said.
The air ambulance service is crucial for the province. Out of the more than 1,400 missions STARS flew last year, just under 100 were to the Red Deer area.
The sold-out lottery this year will bring in about $10 million for the organization. This will help with everyday operational cost such as fuel, medical supplies, aircraft maintenance, pilots and air medical crews.
“All these costs keep us flying, that’s what the lottery supports – to keep the helicopters flying and keep serving patients.”
The $10-million amount will cover one station (Edmonton or Calgary) for one year, Lamacchia said, as an example.
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Through a grant program from the federal government, the organization is to receive $65 million, and another $13 million from the provincial government. That money will be used to replace the aging STARS fleet.
The old BK117 and AW139 helicopters in Alberta, which are no longer manufactured, will be replaced with H145 airbus models. The replacement will mean STARS has a standardized fleet across Western Canada.
“The funding announcements give us a huge energy to move forward on our fleet renewal campaign,” he said.
STARS needs to purchase nine new aircraft to support six sites across Canada – Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Calgary. The helicopters are expected to come with a price tag of $13 million each.
“Our current (aircraft) are no longer being produced. Parts will become an issue in two to three years from now,” he said.
The STARS Lottery grand prizes are three fully furnished luxury homes in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge.
The 50/50 draw has the potential to be the largest 50/50 payout ever in Alberta at $2 million.
For more information, visit starslotteryalberta.ca.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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