While they look different wearing masks and gowns to protect against the novel coronavirus, STARS crews continue to fly missions daily for people across Saskatchewan in desperate need of emergency medical care. The tenth edition of STARS Lottery, which launched to the public on Wednesday, helps make that possible, while offering the chance to win 2,061 prizes, valued at more than $4.2 million.
“From the beginning, STARS has been fueled by the community,” said STARS president and CEO, Andrea Robertson. “Every year, STARS raises 50 per cent of the funding necessary to operate our bases in Regina and Saskatoon, which means $10.5 million in community support is needed annually. The lottery is a key component of this.”
The health-care system has felt the strain of COVID-19, and STARS has also been impacted. The charitable helicopter air ambulance organization regularly provides critical care and transport for patients with influenza-like illness, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has doubled.
“Thousands of critically ill and injured patients across our province have been cared for and transported in our flying intensive care units, arriving at major trauma centres faster, increasing their chances of survival,” said Robertson. “When someone buys a STARS Lottery ticket, they help ensure we are available for the next patient who needs us.”
STARS Lottery is the non-profit’s largest fundraiser and offers luxury vehicles, epic vacations, cash, electronics, appliances and two stunning, fully-furnished dream homes worth more than $1.5 million each – both of which are awarded in the final draw. With residents spending more time at home, new prizes this year include an outdoor living package and a home office upgrade.
The lottery once again features the Ultimate Outdoor Adventure early bird prize package of a truck, trailer, toys and $100,000 cash – all valued at over $339,000. The perennially popular LUCKY STARS 50/50 gets bigger and bigger, and this year a lucky ticket buyer could win up to $2.5 million in Saskatchewan’s largest 50/50 payout ever.
Ticket prices start at $60 for the main lottery and $10 for the LUCKY STARS 50/50 and can be purchased at starslottery.caor by calling 1-844-STARS SK (782-7775). Every ticket purchased is eligible to win all applicable prizes if purchased prior to the early bird ticket sales deadline of June 24 and the final ticket sales deadline of July 15. Due to provincial health restrictions, the grand prize dream homes are not currently open to the public.
