STARS is getting a significant boost in funding to help continue its critical care operation throughout the Prairies. Co-op announced Friday it is partnering with STARS and, in doing so, pledged $1 million in financial support. “At Co-op, we’re committed to building sustainable communities together. We bring that commitment to life every day through values that define us: being locally invested, community-minded, and dedicated to giving back. One of the things that makes our cooperative unique is that every dollar of profit stays right here in western Canada, helping make a difference in the communities that we live, work and play,” said Leanne Hawes, the vice president of Co-op and external relations. Hawes said this investment in STARS is all about making sure that when someone is having their worst day, they have hope. The $1 million will be provided over the next five years. “It’s about providing hope to families facing unimaginable circumstances and it’s about supporting the highly skilled teams who work tirelessly every day in advanced emergency care to bring help to people when every second matters,” Hawes said. STARS responded to 3,575 calls across three provinces last year and has attended over 66,000 calls since 1985. Dr. John Froh, president and CEO of STARS, said this donation ensures crews at all six bases across the Prairies will have the best equipment possible to help save lives. “We go where we’re needed, in cities and in the smallest towns, and we know that the communities who depend on us deserve nothing less than the best we can give. It’s an honour to come together with a partner who shares our same values and commits themselves to the communities they serve every day,” said Froh. STARS has one air base in Winnipeg that has been in operation since 2012.
