It’s called the Lottery on a Mission and the goal is to raise funds to support operations for STARS. President and CEO Andrea Robertson, says, “What makes this lottery fundamentally different from almost all other charitable lotteries on the planet is that the funds go directly toward operations.” The helicopters and crews respond to missions 24/7 across Saskatchewan. She explains that about half of the funds needed to operate STARS in Saskatchewan are funded by the provincial government. The remaining $10.5 million is raised annually and about a third of that comes from the annual lottery.

Chief Fundraising & Brand Officer, Terri Strunk, says buying a ticket gives you a chance at winning over 1,600 prizes including two grand prize dream homes in Saskatoon and Regina, but it also helps STARS to save lives. She gives the example of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash as to how STARS can help when there are multiple casualties because they also have operations in Alberta and Manitoba, so more helicopters and crews were brought in to respond. Strunk says, STARS goes wherever they are needed and however they are needed.

Director of Clinical Operations with STARS, Tracey Steel, cautions that they will never call people asking for money to claim a prize. Phone scammers have been known to identify themselves as being from STARS. She says, “You won’t be contacted to every pay money to claim a lottery prize so don’t ever pay money to anyone who is trying to illicit that from you.
For more information on the lottery, click here.