Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story stated STARS Lottery Alberta would be helping to fund a fleet of new helicopters. The story has been updated to state the money raised by STARS Lottery Alberta helps fund operational costs of the emergency service. We regret the error.
The 2019 STARS Lottery Alberta grand prizes were unveiled Thursday, including three fully-furnished dream homes in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge.
More than 2,800 prizes worth over $4.5 million will be awarded to ticket holders this year.
STARS Alberta said a top fundraising priority is to cover operational costs. Each of the three STARS Alberta bases need $10- $11 million per year.
“We’ve been flying the same helicopters for 34 years, and they need a lot of work,” STARS Alberta CEO Andrea Robertson said. “They’re nearing their end of life.”
The aging fleet, comprised of BK 117 helicopters, has completed tens of thousands of missions.
READ MORE: STARS in Alberta looking to replace fleet over 5 years
Watch below: (From June 25, 2018) STARS Air Ambulance is looking to replace its entire Alberta fleet with five new helicopters by 2024. Dr. JN Armstrong, the chief medical officer in charge of STARS, spoke to Gord Steinke about the plan.
There are plans to replace the Alberta fleet of choppers by 2024, funded separately from the lottery program. The first new unit for Alberta is planned to arrive this year. There are no plans to reduce access to STARS serving Albertans as the fleet is changed over.
Each ticket purchased is eligible for all prize draws.
Take a look at the STARS Alberta Dream Home in Edmonton at 4209 Veterans Way in the gallery below.