Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) is investing $1 million in STARS to help strengthen access to critical care services across Western Canada.
The newly announced partnership will see FCL, on behalf of nearly 150 local Co-ops in the Co-operative Retailing System, support STARS operations in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The funding will help ensure patients in urban, rural and remote communities can continue to access lifesaving emergency medical transport and care when they need it most.
Image – Co-op employees Source: Federated Co-op
“We’re proud to partner with STARS and support the critical care it provides for Western Canadians at their most vulnerable moments,” said Leanne Hawes, vice-president of Co-op and external relations at FCL. Hawes noted that with Co-op serving more than 650 communities, STARS patients could include members, customers, employees, neighbours and loved ones.
STARS President and CEO Dr. John Froh said the organization relies heavily on community support to deliver its services.
“As an organization built by the community, for the community, we are only able to serve our patients thanks to the unwavering support of partners like Co-op,” Froh said. “This incredible $1 million donation will help ensure we can continue delivering the highest standard of care wherever it’s needed.”
Approximately half of STARS’ operating funding comes from community fundraising and charitable donations. The organization completed 3,575 missions last year from its six bases across Western Canada.
STARS provides emergency medical transport and critical care services to patients in some of the region’s most challenging and remote locations.
Source: STARS Media Release
