Living in a rural setting far from major health facilities comes with a risk.

"...in the event of an emergency... help may be hours away," Access Credit Union (ACU) President and CEO Larry Davey says.

Yet, everyday that risk is mitigated by the work of STARS Air Ambulance together with local emergency responders, creating a safety net that saves lives and communities.

Davey explains ACU also share responsibility for the safety and security in the communities they serve. It's the reason over the next five years, STARS Air Ambulance will receive a total $250,000 in operating funds from ACU.

"We want people to understand we're a part of the community, we're not there simply for the financial side," Davey says.

Cohen Hildebrand experienced STARS life-saving service first hand. Two years ago during a routine tonsil removal one of his main arteries ruptured in his throat. He was flown by STARS Air Ambulance to Winnipeg.

"The ambulance couldn't make it in time, they needed STARS so they came and picked me up," he says.

 

Cohen Hildebrand experienced STARS life-saving service first hand

 

Hildebrand adds the personnel on board were great as well, "they were super kind and helpful," he says. "They're helping a lot of people."

STARS thanked ACU on Wednesday by unveiling Access Credit Union's logo on the helicopter's tail fin, the first Manitoba organization to be recognized on the STARS helicopter.

"This is a game changer," Andrea Robertson, President and CEO of STARS, says. "ACU did something astounding today... thank you very, very much."

MP for Portage-Lisgar Candice Bergen also thanks STARS for their service, "when we are at our worst, STARS is at their best."

 

ACU made the announcement at Boundary Trails Health Centre on Wednesday

 

The 24/7 non-profit service operates out of six bases across Western Canada. In 2016 alone, STARS flew 619 mission in Manitoba.

Between April 2016 and April 2017 STARS responded to 17 emergencies in Winkler, 10 in Morden, 6 in both Altona and Carman.

All money raised from Access Credit Union's 2017 Charity Golf Tournament will also go in support of STARS. The tournament takes place at the Minnewasta Golf and Country Club in Morden September 14.

Related Article: Access Credit Union S.V.P. And C.O.O Takes On Stars Rescue On The Island

 

Access Credit Union COO Myrna Wiebe is also taking part in the Rescue on the Island fundraiser for STARS