Five Saskatchewan industry leaders traded the office for the great outdoors Thursday, in the name of a great cause. The participants - ranging from a CEO to a lawyer - took part in the annual STARS Rescue on the Prairie event. They were airlifted by STARS to a remote location to compete in challenges, with the goal of raising much-need funds to support STARS’ life-saving work. Challenges tested skills in the medical, aviation, and readiness fields. Each participant needed to raise $50,000 to secure their flight home. “On average, we fly close to three missions per day. In Saskatchewan, we have two bases, one in Regina, one in Saskatoon,” explained Jeri-Lynn Johnston, Chief Foundation and Brand Officer, STARS. “In order for us to operate, we have to fundraise. We are so fortunate to receive close to half of our funding from the provincial government here in Saskatchewan. And then we fundraise the remaining amount.” This was the 11th annual Rescue on the Prairie event. $774K was raised in the 2026 edition of the fundraiser. “Everyone came together as a team. Even though we were competing against one another in the challenges, we were united by a shared goal: keeping STARS in the air,” said Bobbee-Jo Wood, one of the participants. “It truly hits home when you have family and friends who need that service.” STARS flew 859 missions in Saskatchewan in 2025. With files from Katy Syrota
