Before 8 o’clock this morning, five Saskatchewan business leaders were boarding a helicopter at the STARS hangar in Saskatoon to be taken to a remote location for the 9th annual STARS Rescue on the Prairies event.

Throughout the day, all five participants will compete in challenges that test their communication, organization, adaptability and teamwork skills, all while raising money for STARS Air Ambulance daily operations.

John Froh, Chief Medical Officer at STARS, says the challenges intend to amplify the key skills that STARS’ staff use during their lifesaving missions. Froh says every dollar raised will go directly back into operations, which cost roughly $11 million per year.

“What we do is we use that money to really innovate and push that envelope. It’s important for us to really be on the cutting edge, and this type of fundraising and community partnership really allows us to do that,” he explains. “Without events like this, we would not be able to deliver our mission.”

One of the five participants and Vice President of Sales at Western Sales, Reagan McGrath, says everyone in Saskatchewan knows someone who’s benefitted from STARS services.

“It’s just an important service, especially for rural people or people working not close to the city-center. It’s a lifesaving service and something I think Saskatchewan needs.”

He says his goal for today is to be present, spend time with the people who manage and operate the STARS program, and of course, win some challenges.

“Each challenge is tied to a little bit more money to raise for the campaign. It all goes to the same place.”

McGrath’s father competed in the challenge back in 2016, the event’s second year.

“I’ve heard it’s a lot of fun, very intense, they day goes by really quick. I’ve just heard nothing but good things.”

Each competitor has a fundraising goal of 50 grand, but McGrath says he’s already collected $72,000.

McGrath’s competitors include Ashley Turner, a realtor with Century 21 Fusion; Bryan Somerville, the President of Somerville Farms Ltd.; Kendra Wack, Founder of Degree Three; and Shane Dueck, a business advisor at MNP.

Since 2015, the STARS Rescue on the Prairies event has raised over $3 million.

Reagan McGrath, Vice President of Sales at Western Sales

John Froh, Chief Medical Officer at STARS