In a holiday season that is anything but normal, STARS is receiving an extraordinary $42,000 gift of support from Viterra’s customers.
The world-leading agriculture network just wrapped its annual program to sell STARS calendars – nearly 1,000 in total this year – from its grain handling and marketing facilities across the Prairies on behalf of the non-profit air ambulance organization.
“STARS provides such an important service, and our annual calendar campaign shows how communities will come together to support a worthy cause,” said Nikki Deobald-Churchman, Facility Sales and Admin at Viterra Rosetown.
Since 2015, Viterra has supported STARS’ popular calendar program as its print sponsor, helping the charity share its mission stories of rescue and recovery through patients’ eyes. With bases across Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Alberta, funds raised through calendar sales help keep STARS in the sky.
“We continue to support STARS because they go above and beyond for those who need it most, and we see the difference that it makes in our communities,” said Jeff Cockwill, VP, Corporate Affairs for Viterra North America. “Despite the unusual circumstances presented to us by the pandemic, our employees and customers demonstrated their giving spirit and made a significant and positive impact to this year’s campaign.”
Over the years, STARS has touched the lives of Viterra employees, customers, and their families. This partnership helps ensure that STARS can continue to provide immediate medical attention in critical situations.
“Almost everyone on the Prairies knows someone whose life has been impacted by STARS,” said Wanda Marchewka, Facility Sales and Admin at Viterra North Battleford. “It’s comforting to know that the service is available to all of us if we ever need it.”
In addition to Viterra’s very generous print sponsorship, its employees have contributed to an additional $300,000 in calendar and merchandise sales and collected donations over the past six years.
“In a year of uncertainty, Viterra and its dedicated employees has never once wavered in their commitment to STARS, and in true grassroots spirit, they have found new and innovative ways to continue supporting our mission,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO.
“We are so grateful for the role that Viterra plays year in and year out, helping to keep us on the cutting edge of critical medical care and making sure that we can be there for the next patient who needs us,” said Robertson.
The calendar campaign is in its 28th year, and while it has always been a significant source of revenue for STARS, it is particularly important this year, when so many fundraisers have had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A limited quantity of calendars are still available for purchase online at starscalendar.ca.
