Saskatoon-born TV, stage and film actor Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy; Bad Blood; Broadway; Stratford) demonstrates that he has not forgotten his roots, as he announces his endorsement for and involvement with a unique fundraising project in support of STARS air ambulance in Saskatchewan. Joining him with their support are Saskatchewan-born NHL’ers, Brayden and Luke Schenn, Tyler Bozak, Jayden Schwartz, and a host of other NHL players/alumni.
The Pegasus Project was developed by a group of automotive enthusiasts who care deeply about the people of our province and about the critical work of first responders like STARS. The project involves a completely custom-built, one-of-a-kind, 1968 Ford Mustang 427 coupe that will be featured at the International SEMA Convention in Las Vegas, November 2020. SEMA is the annual, high profile, automotive industry tradeshow where the Pegasus Project Mustang will be featured at the Ford Motor Company exhibit booth. Finally, the car will be sold at the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona in January 2021, with proceeds to STARS air ambulance in Saskatchewan. This project represents an exclusive feature of the STARS capital campaign to raise funds for new helicopter equipment for Saskatchewan.
Premier Scott Moe begins, “Our entire province knows the tremendous impact that STARS has made since arriving in Saskatchewan and I am particularly thrilled to participate in the unveiling of this unique fundraising initiative. The compassion and generosity of the people of Saskatchewan is truly remarkable and I look forward to its potential for STARS.”
Kim Coates explains his passion for the project, “I love Saskatchewan, I was born here, my heart has never left here, I have family and many friends in my hometown of Saskatoon and I know the outstanding work that STARS does in this province – STARS provides critical care and saves lives every day and I believe in their work. It’s tough work. I also believe that we all need to do our part. That’s why I’m so excited to be a part of this incredibly special and cool project.”
Ford, which supported a similar 2014 project for the Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan by the same group, is confidently behind the Pegasus Project, recognizing the expertise and passion of those involved and the project team’s history of fundraising success. “The Ford Mustang 427 coupe will be an exceptional addition to any car enthusiast’s collection and this is an innovative way to raise money for new helicopter equipment. The STARS air ambulance program provides a vital service to the people of Saskatchewan -- we wish Vaughn Wyant and the other Pegasus Project volunteers great success with their fundraising campaign,“ said Dean Stoneley, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
STARS air ambulance President and CEO, Andrea Robertson, “We are thrilled to be part of such a creative fundraising initiative. And we are honoured to have been chosen as the recipient of the auction proceeds. It is this kind of community support that helps ensure STARS is there for the next critically ill and injured patient who needs us.”
Pegasus Project team member, Vaughn Wyant concludes, “You can’t get more passionate about this project than the team we’ve put together. Big thanks to Kim Coates for becoming our ‘front man’, to our homegrown NHL players for their support, our lead donors and of course to STARS for their tremendous care. We all want to make a difference for our province and we hope the people of Saskatchewan will join us on this fun ride.”
Why the Pegasus Project?
The name was derived from three important elements: WINGS (helicopter), HORSE (Mustang) and, of course, STARS (constellation of stars).
