STARS helicopter and emergency responders. (rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Alessia Proietti

Critical to sustaining operations

STARS Lottery fundraiser opens with new prizes

Jan 20, 2022 | 4:13 PM

The 29^th edition of the STARS Lottery launches to the public today, offering a chance to win 2,500 prizes, valued at more than $4.8 million.

STARS says the past year has been one of the busiest on record as crews worked on the frontlines of the pandemic caring for critically ill patients. In 2021, they flew more than 1,400 missions in Alberta alone. Their team of paramedics, nurses, and doctors provide care to patients on scene, specializing in helicopter transportation in particularly rural areas.

“From the beginning, STARS has been fueled 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 health-care system under the weight of the pandemic, STARS continues to respond to other medical and trauma-related requests.

“On top of pandemic calls, we are still 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. Jamin Mulvey, anesthesiologist, emergency room doctor and STARS medical director.

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“Since 1985, our crews have provided critical care to thousands of critically ill and injured Albertans, and we get them to major trauma centres faster, increasing their chances of survival,” said Robertson. “When someone buys a STARS Lottery ticket, they help ensure STARS is available for the next patient who needs us.”

For 2022, STARS Lottery features three grand prize dream homes: one each in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge. For safety reasons, the show homes will not be open to the public this year.

The early bird prize is a lakeside mountain retreat package including a luxury chalet in Invermere, British-Columbia, a Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4×4, outdoor recreational toys and $50,000 cash.

The popular Lucky STARS 50/50 is also back again. Last year’s payout was $3.25 million, and this year it could be up to $4.5 million.

Other prizes include luxury cars, worldwide trips, luggages, electronics, and more.

New for the 2022 lottery is the Bon Voyage bonus prize, a $100,000 travel voucher plus $50,000 cash, or $125,000 cash.

Tickets can be purchased on their website starting from $30 each for the main prize and $10 for the 50/50 lottery. Bundle packages are available reducing the price per ticket, with the deadline being March 23.