Local businessman Dan Cugnet was among a group of brave Saskatchewan business and community leaders that were airlifted by STARS air ambulance helicopters to an undisclosed, remote prairie location on Thursday, where they were left to raise enough money to secure their flight back to civilization.
More than $540,000 was raised by six Saskatchewan business and community leaders at the third annual Rescue on the Prairie fundraising event for STARS air ambulance. To secure their ‘rescue’ and return to civilization, they needed to raise at least $50,000 each.
“I’m very proud to be a part of this event, and [proud of] the support of people who have donated to this, especially within my community,” said Weyburn area businessman Dan Cugnet. He raised $120,000 of the total.
“The STARS air ambulance is an amazing thing that I think everybody in this province gets behind.”
Each individual participated in a series of challenges, including a flight readiness race, a simulated medical scenario with four procedures including an intubation and CPR on a mannequin; a fundraising challenge to see who could raise the most money over the phone in forty-five minutes; and a calf roping competition. Winners of the challenges received sponsored cash prizes to go toward their individual fundraising totals.
The opportunity to learn more about STARS’ operations hands-on through the challenges enabled some of the participants to gain a deeper appreciation for the organization and its importance.
“For the third year in a row, our participants and the community have surpassed all expectations to make Rescue on the Prairie so successful. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity,” said Denise Belman, executive director of the STARS Foundation, Saskatchewan. “Our organization relies on community support to operate. Funds raised from this event will help us to keep more families and communities safe and intact.”
In Saskatchewan, STARS needs to raise 50 per cent of its operating funds — about $10.5 million annually — to operate the Regina and Saskatoon bases. This is achieved through corporate sponsorship, fundraising and community support.
