STARS is Canada’s air ambulance service that runs mainly on donations and community partnerships. While this non-profit, charitable organization offers free services for the needy, it does receive some funding from the government; however, that only constitutes close to 40% of its funding. What’s even more interesting is that only about 2.5% of its funding comes from the fees it charges the patients. That’s simply an amazing achievement, but this also means that the air ambulance service is constantly in need of huge donations to stay afloat – something that the company has managed to achieve since 1985 when it was founded. Today, it covers regions such as Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Prairie, Grande, Edmonton and Calgary.
The Donation was Made by ConocoPhillips Canada
A whopping $180,000 donation was made by ConocoPhillips Canada in Fort St. John. The check was presented to STARS air ambulance service with a bit of fanfare at an event organized for this very purpose. The president and CEO of STARS air ambulance service, Andrea Robertson, was presented the money by Kirk Johnson, who is the president of ConocoPhillips Canada. The event was held at North Peace Airport which is Bailey Helicopter’s center of operations. This donation was not the first by ConocoPhillips to STARS air ambulance service.
The Long History of Donations to STARS Air Ambulance Service
Speaking at the event, Andrea Robertson revealed that ConocoPhillips Canada has opened its heart and purse to STARS air ambulance service since the year 1989 and so far has donated close to $3 million. She expressed her gratitude for the company’s generosity at the event.
Right before the check was presented, a small presentation was organized by STARS Air Ambulance Mobile Education Unit. This presentation entailed safety tips. The participants – apart from local first responders – included employees of ConocoPhillips Canada and the company’s stakeholders.
