Grande Prairie STARS fundraisers raise over $575,000
The Rescue in the North event and A Night with STARS gala also marked 20 years of the STARS air ambulance base serving the Grande Prairie region.
Why it matters
The funds help sustain emergency air ambulance service that is a critical lifeline for residents in remote parts of northern Alberta.
Grande Prairie's STARS Air Ambulance fundraising efforts brought in more than $575,000 combined through two events: the Rescue in the North fundraiser and the A Night with STARS gala, marking only the second time the half-million-dollar mark has been surpassed.
Four community leaders took part in the 2026 Rescue in the North event, each aiming to raise at least $50,000 through their personal and professional networks. Participants experienced a simulated "day in STARS life," including a flight in an H145 helicopter to a remote location where they completed challenges involving medical, survival, and fundraising tasks.
STARS President and CEO Dr. John Froh said the event helps participants understand the organization's mission while engaging the community in support of the charity. Participant Jodi Bloomer, co-founder and Chief Business Development Officer of Canadian Fibre Optics, said the cause holds personal significance, noting that STARS once transported a company co-founder to Edmonton for emergency surgery before he later passed away.
The day concluded with the A Night with STARS gala, which celebrated 20 years of the Grande Prairie STARS base. Dr. Froh thanked the community for its long-standing support and said STARS remains committed to serving the region for years to come.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.