STARS launches annual lottery with two grand prize homes

STARS is launching its annual lottery with two fully furnished homes among the top prizes up for grabs. Stacey Hein reports.

STARS has launched its annual lottery, with two fully furnished homes among the top prizes up for grabs.

The lottery includes a 2,450-square-foot home in Greenbryre, just outside Saskatoon, valued at nearly $1.5 million. A second grand prize home in White City, near Regina, measures 3,864 square feet and is valued at more than $1.4 million.

STARS said the lottery is its largest fundraiser of the year, accounting for about one-third of its revenue and helping fund critical care in the air. The organization said it helped 859 patients in Saskatchewan last year.

“When you buy a STARS lottery ticket, you’re directly supporting that mission,” said Dr. John Froh, CEO and president of STARS.

Thomas Wright experienced the importance of STARS firsthand. Two years ago, he was dirt biking in the Nisbet Forest when a head-on collision with another rider left him with a broken pelvis and other serious injuries.

“I was in a lot of pain, and I knew that I needed some critical care,” Wright told reporters Thursday.

The crash happened in an area that was difficult for emergency crews to access. Wright said the Rosthern Fire Department transported him on a flatbed side-by-side at walking speed through trees and uneven terrain to reach the STARS crew, which was able to land about 400 metres away.

“We were extremely lucky that STARS was able to land so close and get me there in a good amount of time,” Wright said.

He was transported to Royal University Hospital. About two months later, Wright had recovered and was hiking with classmates in Banff.

He said he is thankful STARS was there when he needed help and is encouraging others to support the organization.

“They’re there for everyone on their worst day of their life, which I experienced firsthand and I am greatly thankful for that,” he said.

Whether ticket buyers take home a prize or not, Froh said everyone benefits from supporting STARS, a message reflected in this year’s lottery theme, “We all win.”

“Even if you don’t win a house or a car, just purchasing a lottery ticket supports our mission and keeps us in the air 24/7 from our two bases in Saskatchewan,” he said.

Other prizes include vehicles, travel packages, cash and the Lucky STARS 50-50 jackpot. Tickets start at $65. The deadline to purchase is Aug. 21, with the final draw set for Sept. 3.