Local business leader Curwin Friesen is spending his Thursday stranded on an island for a good cause.

Friesen took part in STARS Air Ambulance's Rescue on the Island 2019 event Thursday. So far, he's raised more than 70 percent of his goal of $35,000. 

Green Valley Equipment President Curwin Friesen

"The Air Ambulance doesn't get a lot of attention, it's not something you see on the streets... it's this quiet service that's very important when it's needed," Friesen explains. "So our job is to try and bring attention to the good they do."

Participants are flown out to a remote Island in Manitoba and provided a cell phone to raise donations for the helicopter ambulance service before they can be "rescued" and head home.

He explains the service is proudly Canadian, "they're right across Western Canada, started by a physician in the 1980's who lost a patient... he decided we needed more helicopters and remote services to help patients, so started with a vision... and now we benefit here in Manitoba."

Also participating today is Brent Manning, CEO of Parallel Ag Group which consists of 6 independent ag retailers in the region. They are GJ Chemical in Arnaud and Altona, MK Agro in Brunkild, Dale Air Services in Morris, SJ Agronomy services in Miami, and Friesen Seeds in Rosenort.

As of late Wednesday afternoon, Manning had already reached 93% of his $50,000 goal.

To donate, go here: 

More than $1.4 million dollars has been raised through Rescue on the Island for the last six years to fund much-needed services provided by STARS Air Ambulance.