History was made at Rescue on the Island 2019 as seven Manitoba business and community leaders set a new event fundraising record.
The participants raised an incredible $388,984, easily surpassing the previous record of $370,923 set in 2016. All funds raised at the event go towards STARS lifesaving operations in Manitoba.
“We are absolutely thrilled with the results of Rescue on the Island 2019,” said STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson. “We were fortunate to have a tremendous group of participants who accepted the challenge of not only reaching their personal fundraising goals but setting a new event record. We sincerely thank them for helping to ensure that the next time a critically ill or injured Manitoban needs world-class care and rapid transport, STARS will be there.”
With almost $1.5 million raised since the event began in 2013, Rescue on the Island is STARS largest one-day fundraiser in Manitoba. On Sept. 12, the participants were stranded on an island in Whiteshell Provincial Park and to secure their ‘rescue’ and return to civilization, they were challenged to fundraise as much as possible from the island using their mobile phones and personal and corporate networks.
This year’s brave participants were:
- Alan Butler, President, Snoman (Snowmobilers of Manitoba)
- Mark Dufresne, CEO – The Dufresne Group
- Emeric (Rick) J. Duha, Managing Director & Owner – The Duha Group
- Curwin Friesen, CEO – Greenvalley Equipment Inc.
- Brent Manning, CEO – Parallel Ag Group
- Dr. R. Bruce McFarlane, Orthodontist, Village Orthodontics, Diplomate – American Board of Orthodontics
- John Kelleher, General Manager – Kelleher Ford Sales
Each individual participated in a series of challenges, including a simulated medical scenario and survival challenge. Throughout the day they also had the opportunity to learn more about the services STARS provides to Manitobans and the challenges faced by the STARS medical and aviation crew.
“I get all the notifications that STARS is up in the air and you really hope it’s nobody you know, but you do know they are going to get the care that they need,” said Manning, who raised the most among the seven participants. “Not only having just the transportation but everything they can do on that helicopter is outstanding.”
STARS brought in a backup helicopter for this event, leaving the active on-duty aircraft mission ready at the Winnipeg base. For more information on the event please visit rescueontheisland.ca.
