Reaching for the stars paid dividends for a Bragg Creek organization who has been rewarded for achieving an impressive fundraising milestone after nearly a decade of hard work and dedication.
Over the last nine years, the Bragg Creek Benefit raised $270,000 in support of STARS air ambulance and the organization’s contribution was officially recognized at a logo unveiling ceremony at STARS’ Calgary hangar Sept. 5.
STARS, a non-profit helicopter air ambulance organization that provides rapid and specialized emergency care and transportation for critically ill and injured patients, was founded in Calgary in 1985, and has since grown to include bases in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Winnipeg, Regina and Saskatoon.
Wanda Freeborn, Development Officer/Events for STARS in Calgary, said one of the primary recognitions STARS gives its donors is the honour of having their logo placed on all the STARS helicopters once they have raised more than $250,000.
The Bragg Creek Benefit logo, designed by Julie Fitzsimmons of Jules Designs, will be placed on the tail of the entire fleet of eight STARS helicopters.
“This is a wonderful achievement by the community and we are very happy for the organizers who have reached this fantastic milestone,” said Freeborn. “They have been so dedicated in their support for STARS, and this is a wonderful way of recognizing that accomplishment.”
Bragg Creek Benefit coordinator and area resident Marci Matthews said she was excited to be honoured on behalf of her community before the 35 people who attended the logo unveiling ceremony.
“I was able to get three quarters of the way through my speech before I became emotional,” said Matthews. “It was a touching moment and I was proud of my community’s achievement.
“The community’s support has been awesome,” she added. “Everyone worked towards and helped achieve this goal through event ticket sales, the live and silent auction, and cash donations.”
This year is especially poignant for Bragg Creek Benefit for STARS organizers, as it is the 10th anniversary of their event, and Matthews said the fundraising milestone could not have been reached without the generous financial support of the Greater Bragg Creek community who recognize the importance of STARS because they help residents and visitors to Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country, Priddis and Redwood Meadows.
“We live in a remote mountainous region that can be inaccessible by ambulance and we are far from Calgary hospitals,” said Matthews. “Area residents and tourists can get injured by hiking in Kananaskis Country, being thrown by horses in the backcounty, off-roading at McLean Creek, and in car accidents.”
STARS spokesperson Cam Heke said his organization flew five missions to the Greater Bragg Creek area in 2012.
“STARS typically responds within the Kananaskis Country several dozen times every year,” said Heke. “Our helicopters can land in remote areas inaccessible by an ambulance and can then land directly at the hospital.”
STARS also flew a total of 54 missions to Priddis, Cochrane, Longview, Turner Valley, Black Diamond and Okotoks.
