Critical Care on the Air Radiothon presented by BHP wrapped up Wednesday after broadcasting on 40 radio stations across Saskatchewan.

Jeri-Lynn Johnston Executive Director of Fundraising for the STARS Foundation says over the two days Saskatchewan has tuned in to hear the courageous stories from patients, STARS flight crew and supporters. She says the radiothon raised over $430,000.  Last year, STARS flew its 10,000th Saskatchewan flight. Their goal this year was to raise $350,000

STARS needs roughly $20 million to function in Saskatchewan per year with two bases in the province, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina. Half of that money comes from the provincial government, while the remaining $10 million is generated through donations.

Funds donated to STARS are used to cover staff for missions: each flight has a flight paramedic, a flight nurse, and two pilots. Other costs include fuel, aircraft maintenance, and medical and aviation equipment.