Supporting our STARS

The four lifesaving missions STARS air ambulance flew after the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018 was the organization’s largest emergency response since it started operating in Saskatchewan in 2012. Recognizing the importance of STARS in saving the lives of members of the Humboldt Broncos, people in Saskatchewan came together to launch the Pegasus Project. It was an effort to create something good out of a painful event that was felt around the world.

STARS needs nine medically-equipped H145 helicopters, each of which costs $13 million. These helicopters will improve pilot training, maintenance schedule, and costs.

The organization received $65 million from the federal government, and Saskatchewan and Alberta have made financial commitments. STARS is also selling its existing fleet to provide funds for the new helicopters. Fundraising is ongoing for the remaining $10 million.

Enter the Pegasus Project

The Pegasus Project was started by Vaughn Wyant and Wayne Halabura who, like people the world over, were deeply impacted by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. They came up with the idea of auctioning off a custom 1968 Ford Shelby Mustang.

Creative Concepts Restorations took charge of designing and building the Mustang, and their suppliers got on board, providing in-kind and cash donations to support the project.

MNP’s Saskatchewan partners were excited about the potential of the Pegasus Project. When evaluating whether to support projects, they look for how much of an impact the project will make, the degree of need, and the ability to inspire others to give. For them, the Pegasus Project hit all three objectives. Additionally, STARS and MNP serve the same communities, and MNP has an office in Humboldt, with many people connected to those STARS helped save.

Our Saskatchewan partners donated a total of $500,000 to the initiative. They didn’t plan to say anything, but it’s hard to keep secrets that big, especially when the organization you’ve donated to has a Hollywood celebrity as its brand ambassador. Saskatchewan-born Kim Coates, famous for Sons of Anarchy and Bad Blood, reached out to say thanks and got people talking.

The Pegasus Project is also supported by Brayden Schenn, Jayden Schwartz, and Tyler Bozak of the Stanley Cup-winning St.Louis Blues. Luke Schenn, who won the 2020 Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning, also supports it. All four are from Saskatchewan.

Former Humboldt Bronco Kaleb Dahlgren is an honourary ambassador for the STARS Pegasus Project. Kaleb is donating proceeds from the sale of his book Crossroads: My Story of Tragedy and Resilience as a Humboldt Bronco to the campaign.

The Mustang toured Saskatchewan throughout the summer of 2021 before being auctioned in January 2022. Prince Albert resident Gord Broda won the one-of-a-kind car with a bid of $1 million USD. Gord and his wife Barb are proud of Saskatchewan and strong believers in the importance of the services STARS provides. Gord was also happy to bring the car back to the province after its time in the limelight in the U.S.

Want to support STARS air ambulance?

Visit pegasusproject.ca to enter to win a $12,000 adventure for four in Arizona and to bid on one-of-a-kind NHL and Hollywood collectables.