BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions made the cheque presentation at the STARS base in Saskatoon on Monday.

The donation will be used by STARS for mission operations as well as to help purchase medically equipped Airbus H145 helicopters at a cost of $13 million each.

“The investment we are making today will ensure that farming communities across Western Canada continue to have access to critical care for years to come,” said Jonathan Sweat, vice president of BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions.

Adair O’Grady is one of many Saskatchewan farmers and rural residents who have required STARS over the years. O’Grady sustained life-threatening injuries while seeding in 2015 and STARS was able to provide critical care and timely transport to hospital.

“Thank you to the agricultural community for stepping up to support STARS,” said O’Grady. “If STARS wasn’t there, my outcome would have been totally different.”

STARS has been flying missions in the new Airbus H145 helicopters since mid 2019.  The remainder of the new fleet is being implemented at all six of its bases this year.