It was a memorable sight for those attending the unveiling of Saskatchewan’s first new STARS ambulance for the organization’s renewed fleet. The Airbus H145 flew to the hangar to the sounds of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and an audience of supporters, former patients, government representatives and volunteers. So far, there are 3 new helicopters in the fleet across the STARS bases in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Last summer, STARS announced it would be renewing its fleet and began its fundraising campaign. CEO Andrea Robertson says each of the 9 helicopters costs $13-million. Three of those helicopters will be based in Saskatchewan. She explains that their aging fleet is 35 years old. They don’t make them anymore and you can’t get parts for them.

The Saskatchewan government was the first to offer its support at $13-million. The Alberta and Manitoba governments also donated and the federal government invested $65-million. Robertson estimates they are 70 per cent of the way to the $117-million goal.

Along with donating $13-million for one of the helicopters, the provincial government also provides about half of the annual operational funding for STARS. The rest comes from donations from individuals, municipalities, service clubs and the business community.