It’s day two of the Stars annual Critical Care on the Air Radiothon. STARS, funded by donations, is broadcasting across 40 Saskatchewan radio stations today. Last year, STARS flew its 10,000th Saskatchewan flight. Their goal is to raise $350,000.

STARS is more than transportation to a hospital, often from remote areas, it is also a team of healthcare workers and pilots that go above and beyond to care for their patients. Funds donated to STARS are used to cover staff for missions: each flight has a flight paramedic, a flight nurse, and two pilots. Other costs include fuel, aircraft maintenance, and medical and aviation equipment.

STARS needs roughly $20 million to function in Saskatchewan per year with two bases in the province, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina. Half of that money comes from the provincial government, while the remaining $10 million is generated through donations.

To donate during the two-day broadcast, community members can call the Viterra Lifeline at 1-877-50-STARS. BHP will be matching the first $50,000 in donations. Every time the hashtag #STARScareontheair is used on social media, Saskatchewan Blue Cross will donate between $100 and $10,000 to STARS.