By Courtney Almeida

26th Annual STARS lottery has launched

Jan 18, 2019 | 7:16 AM

The 26th annual STARS Lottery Alberta fundraiser launched Thursday in Grande Prairie.

Almost 3,000 prizes worth $4.5 million are up for grabs.

“This is our single largest fundraiser of the year and at the end of the day, it’s because of the support of people across the Grande Prairie region that we are still in the skies, and today we find ourselves as a part of the culture of Alberta. When you see that helicopter and you look up into the sky, if you have purchased anything from our organization and helped us out in any way, you are part of every mission that we do,”  explained Jon Gogan, Provincial Director for STARS.

STARS has been operating emergency missions in Western Canada since 1985 and has six bases in western Canada including Grande Prairie, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

On average, in Alberta alone, STARS has four to five missions a day, according to Gogan.

Plan Ahead

Why Would You Pre-Plan Your Funeral?

Apr 03, 2024

Dying away from home

What Happens if You Die Away From Home?

Mar 04, 2024

Flag Retiring Ceremony

What Do You Do With Worn-Out Flags?

Feb 01, 2024

“Which translates to about 1,400 missions per year. Somewhere, every four hours in Western Canada, one of the STARS helicopter is flying across the three provinces.”

Prizes feature an early bird luxury package, a loyalty draw worth $100,000, three furnished grand prize homes, five vacations, two vehicles, and 392 cash prizes.

In addition, the Lucky STARS 50/50 draw will be the largest 50/50 draw ever recorded in Alberta, worth $2 million.

Tickets can be purchased at the Grande Prairie STARS base, located at 10911 123 Street, online or at the Prairie Mall.

The folks at STARS are also reminding people that there are still scammers that try to make money off their fundraiser. Gogan notes there have been reports of suspicious phone calls where scammers imitate STARS staff asking for money.

“The STARS organization will never ask you to pay for a prize before claiming that prize,” said Gogan.

The final draw is April 4, 2019

Speeches are under way at the 26th edition of the STARS Lottery at Revolution KIA. #gpab #peacecountry #countyofgp pic.twitter.com/RoQPNTWeSP

— EverythingGP (@EverythingGPAB) January 17, 2019