Tickets are selling fast for the 21st annual STARS Lottery, which was launched last week.
The early bird buyers have secured their chances of winning one of 3,217 prizes which includes the Red Deer Dream Home built by Falcon Homes worth $945,000 located in Vanier Woods on 40 Valley Green.
The dream home was revealed to the public last week and comes fully furnished.
Other prizes includes a $100,000 cash prize, 10 vehicles, 30 vacations and 1,928 electronics prizes as well.
The STARS Lottery raises more than $10 million net each year and is the single largest source of funding in Alberta for the organization. Funds raised by the Lottery go towards equipment and services needed during STARS missions helping critically ill and injured patients across the province.
“In 2013 STARS responded to more than 1,600 emergencies from our three bases in Alberta,” said STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson. “The funds we raise through the STARS Lottery are vital to keeping STARS in the sky.”
Recently the funds raised by STARS have gone towards the purchase of a new AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter to add to their fleets.
The newest bird in the sky for STARS can comfortably fit two patients and the flight’s medical staff in the cabin, which allows for double the lives to be saved.
This state-of-the-art air ambulance can travel up to 278 km/hr. As officials point out, speed is a factor that can save lives when it comes to rescue missions.
One STARS VIP, (Very Important Patient), told her story at the unveiling of the home of just how critical speed can be when saving lives.
Larissa Helbig, a bison rancher north of Edmonton, was working with her animals in the corral one day when her animals suddenly trampled her. She awoke in a crumpled ball in the corner of the pen and knew that she would need immediate help.
Upon the arrival of the local ambulance, the medical team made the decision to call the STARS air ambulance. “The ambulance would have taken 40 minutes to get me there,” said Helbig during the opening of the STARS Lottery Dream Home.
“STARS had me to the U of A hospital in eight minutes where I was immediately transported into surgery.
“Despite my two collapsed lungs and broken rib cage, I never had to worry while I was onboard STARS because they assured me everything was going to be okay and walked me through all of the sounds and sites I was seeing and hearing.”
Tickets are available by visiting www.starslotteryalberta.ca or by calling 1-888-880-0992. Ticket prices are a single ticket for $25, three for $60, six for $100, and 18 for $250.
The early bird draw is March 20 with ticket sales cut off March 5 at midnight. The final draw is set for April 17 with ticket sales cut-off at midnight on March 26.
jswan@reddeerexpress.com
