A spokesperson for STARS air ambulance says they are humbled by the donations that poured in during this week's Critical Care on the Air Radiothon.

The radiothon took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, though donations made prior to the end of today will still count towards this fundraising initiative. Colleen Mayer is Director of Donor Relations and Development for Manitoba. She says as of Friday morning, more than $74,000 has been donated.

"I just want to start off by thanking each and every donor who called, texted or donated online this week," says Mayer. "The support that they committed to STARS helps keep us up in the air, keeps us having those life saving critical care supports for Manitobans."

Mayer says they are humbled, grateful and so appreciative that Manitobans have stepped up in this way. She notes every dollar raised in Manitoba, stays in Manitoba.

"Really all of those donors they fly with us on every mission," she says. "And so those dollars go into innovation, they go into fuel, they go into training, they go into so many things."

Mayer says it is this equipment that could save you at a moment's notice. She notes their helicopter can arrive within minutes and is now prepared with equipment, including ultra sounds, cardiac monitors and night goggles.

"Whatever it is that went into those specific missions, when your life is on the line, minutes matter and we have that equipment that can help save you at a moment's notice," she adds.

Mayer says even though a lot of people can name a family member, neighbour or colleague that has depended on STARS, there are still many out there who do not know the story of STARS. She adds this radiothon helps get that message out.

"So we have to keep doing what we do here in the foundation, which is telling our stories, getting our VIP's to share their stories, doing things like our Critical Care on the Air Radiothon so that we can get the message out," she says. "But those that do know about us, they understand the impact, they understand the significance of the service that we provide to Manitobans."

To make a donation today, text STARS to 45678 to donate $25 to STARS or visit criticalcareontheair.ca