STARS air ambulance aircraft in Manitoba will now be adorned with a new logo, thanks to a recently announced major gift from MacDon Industries Ltd., a Winnipeg-based manufacturer of specialty agricultural harvesting equipment.
Officials with MacDon and STARS unveiled the logo on the iconic red helicopters earlier today at the STARS Winnipeg base. The event marked a new milestone in MacDon’s commitment to STARS, having already been a strong supporter for many years.
“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our dealers, our customers, and our employees, and we are proud to support an organization that is making a meaningful difference to their lives,” said Gene Fraser, Vice President, MacDon Industries Ltd. “This investment will help to continue providing an important health-care service to people in the hundreds of communities we serve around the province and across Western Canada.”
In announcing the gift, Gene encouraged other businesses to support the non-profit helicopter air ambulance service.
“STARS is there for all of us – those living and working in rural and remote areas, but also urban folks travelling on our many roads and highways for work or pleasure. They also provide emergency medical training to rural emergency health care professionals and outreach to other partners in the chain of survival,” said Gene.
MacDon’s gift will fund much needed enhancements of the Winnipeg base facilities including a crew education centre with a medical simulation lab, classroom, and improved training areas as well as a permanent structure to house STARS’ daily operational crew, educators, and foundation team.
“I congratulate MacDon on their leadership in supporting the excellent work of STARS,” said Manitoba minister of agriculture, Ralph Eichler. “I courage all Manitobans to continue to support STARS. Their commitment to providing excellent emergency health care and transportation is so important to all of us in rural Manitoba.”
“Thank you to MacDon for this generous donation which will support our operational efficiencies,” said STARS President and Chief Executive Officer Andrea Robertson. “We are very proud to showcase MacDon’s logo on our helicopter and to salute their team as allies in our fight for life.”
