STARS gets another big boost from BHP

Donations to STARS Air Ambulance mean a lot to those in urgent need of critical care.

On Friday, BHP donated $1.5 million to the non-profit organization to help it continue its critical work. Simon Thomas, BHP’s president of potash, said the donation furthers the company’s commitments to the people of Saskatchewan and shared words of praise for the air ambulance service.

Simon Thomas, BHP’s president of potash, announced a $1.5-million donation to STARS on Feb. 3, 2023. (Steve Seto/650 CKOM)

“We are really appreciative of the lifesaving service that you provide to the communities in which we operate, and so we see you as a fantastic partner to work with,” Thomas said.

BHP is currently expanding its potash presence in the province, he added, with a new mine project north of Jansen, making it important to give back.

Since 2012, BHP has contributed more than $6.3 million to STARS. Thomas said those contributions are a sign of how important the air ambulance service is, particularly to rural residents who don’t always have rapid access to emergency care.

“Rural areas themselves pose a challenge,” Thomas said. “As people live and play and work in those communities, they need vital support, and thankfully STARS is valuable to provide a much-needed service.”

STARS has proved time and time again at how critical it is to the province. Just ask Caiden Hendry.

When Hendry was 12 years old, he was dirt biking with his dad and brother when he fell from a jump and his bike landed on top of him.

He suffered a compound fracture in his leg, and his dad rushed him to a local health centre only to learn there was no doctor working at the time. Hendry said STARS picked him up three hours later to take him to Saskatoon for surgery.

“My experience with this organization has shown the importance of helping others and making sure that everyone, regardless of where they choose to live, has access to the same lifesaving surgery that I had access to,” said Hendry, who’s now 18.