You don’t see them in action unless they’re heading to an emergency but Wednesday was a little different.
This mission is almost as important as any other to STARS survival in Manitoba and they took Global News along for the ride. Our final destination, a deserted island near Pinawa, Manitoba where a small camp has been set up where seven business executives have voluntarily been stranded for the day with only a cell phone.
Their goal, to raise $50,000 each for STARS annual fundraiser, Rescue on the Island.
“Making lots of phone calls, lots of emails, lots of fundraising and so far it’s been very successful,” Former Blue Bomber Rod Hill said.
Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen also participated in the fundraiser.
“Stars is really important to not only the City of Steinbach but the entire southeast region,” Goertzen said. “When there’s an accident and people are gravely injured speed is really important to getting people to medical help.”
Along with rallying donations by phone they had to complete a number of challenges, like helping a patient breath and bracing a patient on a back board, some of their techniques were anything but conventional. They also had to build a shelter out of materials they found on the island.
Having a little fun while raising money, so STARS can continue to save people, people like Steven Lipischak. Two years ago this month, Lipischak had the worst day of his life.
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“I reached over too far and then fell off the ladder and cracked the back of my skull,” Lipischak said.
He fell 13 feet to the ground at his cottage in Lac Du Bonnet and says STARS saved his life.
“Their importance is getting me into the city,” Lipischak said, “if I had to go by ground ambulance I wouldn’t have survived.”
Now he dedicates his life to helping STARS and came along to the island to cheer on the participants.
This is my second life,” Lipischak said. “I’m enjoying it very much, both the wife and I do as much as we can for STARS telling people, you’ve got to help STARS so they can save your family, your friends.”
At the end of the day, volunteers brought in $175,000, money that will keep STARS in the air.
STARS is partially funded by the province but need more to cover additional costs. The last two Rescue on the Island fundraisers brought in $515,000.
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