The Critical Care on the Air Radiothon takes off Wednesday morning on MIX 96, Country 107, and AM1250 in Support of STARS Air Ambulance.

STARS Development Officer Lori Derksen says this annual radiothon has become very important to them.

“It is our third year and we can't be any more excited to be partnering again with Golden West. Basically, this event was brought together because of the need to share the STARS story on air. We want to get out the messaging about our impact in Manitoba and how we reach so many different patients and people in Manitoba every day. The Radiothon is such a good outlet for that."

Of course, Derksen says the fundraising aspect of the radiothon should is also crucial, especially this year.

“We've had roughly 100 different community events that we are not able to be a part of and that has a financial impact, a big one for us. We are lucky. We have had a few new events come forward that have been COVID-19 friendly but it definitely has a huge impact on charities all over Manitoba, all over Canada, and STARS Manitoba is definitely struggling with that as well.”

Colleen Mayer is the Director of Development for STARS Manitoba. She notes they totally understand why most fundraising events have been cancelled, but STARS can’t let that affect their services.

“We still need to be there for the next patient. Despite the challenges that the pandemic has presented for us, we continue to fly an average of two times a day.” Mayer adds “every dollar that we raise here in Manitoba stays here in Manitoba to be there for the next patient.”

The Critical Care on the Air Radiothon in support of STARS Air Ambulance runs Wednesday and Thursday and phones will be open from 6 AM to 6 PM. Online donations can also be made anytime on Steinbachonline.