By Curtis Galbraith

STARS hoping to grow new farm-based fundraiser

May 25, 2021 | 5:53 PM

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — STARS is looking for farmers and ranchers to help out in a fundraiser.

It is called Growing for STARS and would see proceeds from grain or livestock sales donated to the air ambulance service.

Bethany Rose, a community engagement officer with the Grande Prairie base, says there has already been some local interest.

“We currently have a couple who are interested and have inquired. Now the program is quite new and we have really only started to launch it this year and it is growing season so I know the farmers are really busy with planting right now, so we’re just trying to get the message out there currently.”

Rose says this was inspired by a Manitoba farm family that donated the proceeds from 40 acres of crop to STARS. She adds with COVID, STARS is looking for ways to interact with donors safely.

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Rose says while some local people have shown interest, there are no confirmed participants from this area yet.

She adds the commodities involved could take any form.

“So, it could be a crop, it could be a steer for an auction, it could be all sorts of things, whether that is honey or milk or pigs.

“Honestly, it can take many different forms.”

Rose at the Grande Prairie base says this is something the organization hopes will grow in the coming years.

“We’re hoping to engage with people that want to do this just not this year, but maybe year-over-year and this is something they interact with at STARS,” said Rose.

“We have a sign that goes with the program so we can put it in a field or on a property and we’d like to be able to continue this year-over-year with that.”

Rose says any operation taking part would be given a free STARS VIGILANT site registration that would include site coordinates, road and chopper access, and information on the closest care centre.

More information on Growing for STARS can be found here or by emailing Rose at brose@STARS.ca or calling the base at 780-830-7000.

STARS is also one of three groups that will benefit from a new raffle. RE/MAX agents are donating a portion of every sale to a fund for a cash raffle where the minimum prize is $20,000 with it potentially being $100,000. Mental health work at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation and Odyssey House will also be helped. Tickets and more information are available on the Hospital Foundation’s website.