An online raffle put on by the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) that aims to support Alberta’s struggling tourism sector manoeuvre the pandemic has found support from several Airdrie businesses.
“This raffle is unique because if offers a bunch of Alberta experiences,” said STARS spokesperson Carla Minogue. “It is an amazing opportunity to not only support STARS, but also local Albertan businesses.”
According to Minogue, all of the money raised through the "Friends of STARS Experience Alberta" raffle will support STARS – a non-profit air ambulance service that provides rapid and specialized emergency care and transportation for critically ill and injured patients in Alberta. According to stars.ca, the emergency care provider has been operating in the province since 1985.
Minogue said the raffle has packages from local businesses all over Alberta. Winners will receive one of 50 "Alberta Experience" prize packages worth more than $64,000 in total. The packages include experiences across the province, including dog sledding, hot air balloon rides, skiing, golfing, dining and more.
From Airdrie, businesses that are adding their services to the prize packages include Jumble District Family Playground, Rival Axe Throwing, Bert Church Live Theatre and Shamrock Lanes. Crossiron Mills Mall, in East Balzac, is also supporting the initiative.
Joni Daley, founder of Rival Axe Throwing, said she was happy to get involved with the raffle.
"I think it is a fantastic concept that STARS has come up with," she said. "It's supporting a large need, but in the meantime it's actually bringing awareness to our own local businesses. That helps local business support the economy."
According to Minogue, the experiences up for grabs come from throughout the province.
“It’s a really neat opportunity to experience some really neat activities for us in Alberta that we may not have otherwise chosen to go and check out,” she said.
Minogue said the raffle’s goal is to raise $100,000 to help support the organization's operating expenses. She said the cost to operate one STARS base is about $10 million a year and there are three bases in Alberta.
As a non-profit, STARS heavily relies on the generosity of donations, according to Minogue, who added fundraisers like the raffle ensure “we can keep STARS in the sky.”
According to Minogue, another benefit of the raffle is promoting tourism-based businesses that have struggled in the last year, due to the pandemic. With dwindling tourism numbers province-wide, the fundraiser offers an opportunity to bring attention to more than just STARS, she said.
“A lot of these tourism operators are more local mom and pops shops,” she said. “A lot of them are hanging by a thread. They have been so willing to step up and show support. I think it just goes to show the generous spirit of Albertans, and I think it’s time we show our support for them.”
To find a full list of raffle items, visit friendsofstarsexperiencealberta.com. One ticket can be purchased for $20, or three tickets for $50.
Tickets will remain on sale until Jan. 26, with the taking place Feb. 1.
“I know it is a tough time for everyone right now, but we need organizations like STARS, even when times are tough,” Minogue said.
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
