CALGARY – On April 1 and 2, 2025, the Critical Care on the Air Radiothon for STARS presented by BHP will broadcast across more than 50 radio stations in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba to help raise critical funds to support the advanced training of STARS’ air medical crew and their life-saving operations.

The RM of Kindersley was recently recognized for their annual donation to STARS air ambulance services. This donation will enable STARS to provide medical support to our community when time is of the essence.

During the two-day, 12-hour broadcast, listeners will hear powerful stories from Very Important Patients (VIPs), STARS flight crew members, and community allies who have been impacted by STARS firsthand. The radiothon offers an opportunity to learn about STARS’ mission and how donations impact critical care missions. Tune into these radio stations on April 1 and 2 to donate and learn more.

"STARS was built by the community, for the community, and for the last 40 years, we have relied on the support of our allies to continue our mission of providing critical care, anywhere it’s needed," said Dr. John Froh, President & CEO of STARS. "The Critical Care on the Air Radiothon offers our crew and patients a chance to connect with community allies, old and new, and showcase how significant their support is to our organization, and the direct impact it has on STARS' life-saving operations across Western Canada."

STARS aims to raise $400,000 during this year’s radiothon, with five VIPs generously donating their time and energy to fundraise within their own networks and contribute towards the final goal. These VIPs — Draidyn Wollmann, Lyle Griffin, and Tyler Lister from Saskatchewan; Sean Rickards from Manitoba; and Paula Johnson from Alberta — each have incredible stories of survival and resilience that will be heard throughout the two-day broadcast.

To donate during the broadcast, community members can call the Viterra Lifeline at 1-877-50-STARS or donate online to support a STARS VIP. BHP has once again generously signed on as presenting sponsor and kicked off donations with a $50,000 contribution.

“Like STARS, BHP is an organization that values safety above all else. The life-saving services that STARS provides go hand-in-hand with the nature of our work in Saskatchewan, and we are proud to be a dedicated partner of STARS to ensure that people can receive critical care when they need it most,” said Karina Gistelinck, BHP Asset President, Potash.

Additionally, for every social media post using the hashtag #STARSCareOnTheAir, Saskatchewan Blue Cross will donate $100, up to $10,000.

For more information on participating stations, to read VIP stories, and to donate, visit Critical Care on the Air - STARS.