Keeping the Fight in Flight

When life hangs in the balance, having the most reliable air ambulances available can mean the difference between life and death. While the current STARS BK117 helicopters have long been a part of their fight for life, they are reaching the end of their lifespan. STARS’ ambitious Keep the Fight in Flight campaign aims to replace the aging helicopters to ensure critical care across Western Canada.

“Shell is stepping up to support the communities where we live and work,” says Michael Crothers, Shell Canada President. “Shell has made an anchor donation of $500,000 to STARS to replace helicopters and serve the region of Fox Creek and Grande Prairie in Alberta through to Fort Saint John in B.C. ”

Cory Hagen works in the Gold Creek area just south of Grande Prairie as a Shell field supervisor. A large part of the work day for Hagen and his operations teams involves travelling between well sites and field facilities. They are no strangers to the potential hazards of remote working, including road exposure, wildlife encounters and inclement weather.

“In Western Canada, both Shell staff and local community members regularly drive longer distances on remote roads in variable weather conditions,” says Hagen. “Access to critical health care with this airlift medical service can make an incredible difference in the event of an emergency. I’m proud to work for a company that puts safety first and supports STARS.”

Shell’s social investment support for the Keep the Fight in Flight project will assist the purchase of nine new aircraft for STARS Air Ambulance. It will help STARS remain on the cutting-edge of emergency medical care.

Shell’s has supported STARS since its creation with just over $1 million in donations.

STARS offers hands-on training to rural medical practitioners and provides rapid emergency medical transportation for the critically ill and injured from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

Read more about the STARS Keep the Fight in Flight campaign.