The annual STARS Lottery was officially launched on Thursday.
This year’s Lottery offers 3,145 prizes worth more than $4.9 million, along with the Lucky STARS 50/50 draw in which a buyer can win up to $1.55 million.
“More than 30 years ago, STARS was built upon the steadfast support of Albertans. That generosity has never wavered, no mater the economic climate, and for that fact, we’re incredibly grateful,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO. “It’s community pride that has sustained Albertans through floods and fires, booms and busts and it’s what has made the STARS Lottery a success for more than two decades.”
The STARS Lottery raises more than $11 million net each year to help ensure the helicopters can continue to help critically ill and injured patients across the province. It is the single largest source of funding for STARS in Alberta.
Lorinda Bye was on hand at the Lottery launch to speak to the importance of supporting the cause. In August 2009 a tree fell on the tent her and her sister were staying in at Cow Lake. She was taken to the hospital via STARS Air Ambulance.
“We were very scared and it was a terrifying experience. I know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for STARS and I am so grateful that they can fly to rural locations and save lives,” said Bye. “I broke my back as a result of the tree and I was diagnosed a paraplegic.
“It is so nice to know that STARS is there.”
This year’s Lottery offers four grand prize furnished luxury homes, one each in Calgary, Edmonton, Rd Deer and Lethbridge, worth more than $3.5 million.
The dream home in Red Deer is located at 22 Lindman Ave. and was built by Mason Martin Homes.
There are 760,000 tickets available for the Lucky STARS 50/50 jackpot that could see one person winning up to $1.55 million. Tickets for the 50/50 are $10 each, five for $15 and 15 for $50.
Two early bird prizes are also available for those who purchase their tickets before March 1st. The first is a package of a 2017 Ram 2500 Crew Can 4X4 and a 2017 Arctic Fox 28F Travel Trailer valued at more than $127,000. The second early bird prize is $50,000 cash.
In addition to the grand and early bird prizes there are six vehicles, including an Audi A4 Quattro, a Mercedes Benz GLA 250, and a 330xi BMX sedan. The winners of each vehicle can choose to tale the vehicle or the cash value.
There are also 24 vacations, 1,578 electronic prizes, 1,465 others prizes including cash, luggage, camping and home and outdoor prizes. Among these are two prizes in which the winners will enjoy the flight of a lifetime aboard a STARS helicopter.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.starslottery.ca or by calling 1-888-880-0992 or by visiting the Red Deer dream home. Lottery ticket prices for a single ticket are $25, three for $60, six for $100 or 18 for $250.
The early bird draw is March 17th with ticket sales cut off March 1st at midnight. The final draw will take place April 13th with ticket sales cut off March 22nd at midnight. The Lucky STARS 50/50 draw will be held April 10th.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
