This crucial fundraiser ensures the STARS helicopters and medical teams can respond to emergencies across the province.
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Last year those famous red helicopters from STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) flew more than 1,000 missions in Saskatchewan. That’s 55,000 missions since 1985, or an average of nine missions a day. The trauma air rescue service brings life-saving and urgent care to tragic scenes across the province every day. Their goal is to turn around someone’s worst day.
To keep their missions flying, the organization raises funds throughout the year and STARS provincial director Darcy McKay says the STARS Lottery is the most crucial.
“The lottery is our single biggest fundraiser. We have to raise 50 per cent of our funds. That’s about $10 or 11 million dollars a year. So, the lottery is a huge chunk of what we have to raise,” explains McKay. “It keeps our helicopters in the air.”
Over $3.6 million in prizing range from travel credits to vehicles and more. There’s also a 50/50 draw.
“The draw day is my favourite day of work in the year,” says McKay. “Because I know whether it’s the home in Saskatoon or the home in Regina or the cash, I’m about to change someone’s life.”
Among the 1,503 prizes are travel packages, vehicles and cash. The big dream items are the two stunning dream homes to choose from. One in Regina, located at 3101 Green Stone Road, and one in Saskatoon, located at 501 Greenbryre Bend.
Built by D&S Homes and located next to the Greenbryre golf course, the STARS dream home offers a family-friendly floor plan with 3,364 square feet (lower level included), four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, bonus room on the upper level and an entertaining space in the lower level.
Of course, it has all the modern conveniences like an extra-large walk-through pantry that leads to the kitchen and laundry on the upper floor next to the bedrooms.
The $1.5 million modern two-storey is a home of design contrasts. The vaulted entrance immediately showcases a beautiful staircase with black and brass spindles, a traditional feature with a modern twist.
Just off the entrance is an eye-catching office with bold black walls.
In the main living space large windows continue to give a feeling of expansiveness, while black tiles and cabinetry ground the space. Warm wood cabinets, white quartz countertops and oak hardwood complete the modern palette.
The high-end gas stove and range hood will be the family cook’s dream and the expansive island will host many visits with loved ones or prepare special occasion meals for extended family or friends.
White walls and windows again bring in the outdoors, while a black-tiled fireplace surround creates a stunning focal point for the sitting room. The furnishings are comfortable and low profile so as not to block the view outside. The home is awarded fully furnished.
To enjoy those outdoor views for an early morning coffee or a gorgeous prairie sunset, the home also has a spacious covered deck overlooking a generously portioned yard.
Upstairs, the huge primary suite features a dual sink vanity with gold fixtures and designer lighting, large walk-in closet and white-tiled shower. Two children’s bedrooms are fully appointed with beds and decor.
A bonus room with an oversized window at the front of the house provides the perfect spot for a family movie night or a retreat when family gatherings get too much.
The lower level is perfect for entertaining with lots of room for hosting the next big game night or family celebration. There’s even a ping-pong table ready for new rivals to pick up the paddle. There’s also a wet bar complete with beverage fridge with the same gold and black finishes, and black tile back splash.
