2026 RESCUE IN THE NORTH AND A NIGHT WITH STARS GRANDE PRAIRIE RAISE EXTRAORDINARY $575,000

GRANDE PRAIRIE, Oct. 2, 2026 – Yesterday, four of Alberta’s industry and community leaders came together at Rescue in the North to complete a series of mission-based challenges to raise funds for STARS life-saving operations. Their efforts, combined with the A Night with STARS Grande Prairie gala raised an extraordinary $575,000 in support of critical care and transport across the province. 

The annual 2026 Alberta Rescue event kicked off bright and early from the Grande Prairie STARS base where volunteer industry and community leaders became honourary STARS team members for a day. After boarding a STARS H145 helicopter, and flying to a remote location, they faced a series of challenges designed to reflect medical, aviation, and fundraising operations that keep STARS in the sky. To earn their flight home, each participant was required to raise $50,000 through the support of their friends, family, and community. 

“Rescue in the North is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when communities come together for a shared cause,” said Dr. John Froh, president and CEO of STARS. ​“I watched participants work alongside the STARS team, and take on challenges inspired by our daily operations. I cannot express how grateful I am for their dedication to raising funds that play an essential role in helping us reach the next patient in need.” 

The following community and business leaders participated this year: 

• Darren Henley General Manager, Caron Measurement & Controls 
• Heather Hilhorst Partner, Regional Tax Leader, MNP 
• Jodi Bloomer-Kaput Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, Canadian Fiber Optics 
• Robert Shipway Owner, Provincial Rentals 

“I was really honoured to be selected and have the opportunity to be here today,” said Jodi Bloomer-Kaput, co-founder of Canadian Fiber Optics and Rescue participant. ​“It takes tremendous dedication to work for STARS. That dedication has created a team of passionate, determined people who genuinely love what they do. I’m blown away by how deeply they care about their work.” 

The day’s challenges culminated in A Night with STARS Grande Prairie gala, where the close-knit community came together to celebrate the Rescue participants and mark the Grande Prairie base’s 20^th anniversary. The event recognized two decades of critical care and life-saving transport in northwestern Alberta, while highlighting the lasting impact STARS has on the region. 

“For 20 years, STARS has been proud to serve the Grande Prairie community,” said Dr. John Froh, president and CEO of STARS. ​“This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of the people and businesses who have stood behind STARS for two decades. Their generosity has helped ensure we can continue providing critical care when and where it is needed most.” 

Funds raised through yesterday’s events help make STARS’ mission possible. The support of donors, participants and event attendees plays a crucial role in keeping STARS airborne. 

For more information about STARS Rescue events and how to get involved, please visit STARS​.ca 

‑30– 

For more information contact:  
Kate Langille, STARS Media Relations | mediainfo@​stars.​ca | 1−866−966−8277 

Photos for media use can be found at https://​stars​.medi​avalet​.com/​p​o​r​t​a​l​s​/​R​e​s​c​u​e​N​o​rth26 
 

ABOUT STARS 

STARS is a charity, born from the conviction that no one should go without the care that could save their life. Operating 24/7 from bases in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg, STARS is many patients’ best hope in a worst-case scenario. Thanks to support from generous community partners, we provide critical care — physically or virtually — in whatever capacity we can help. Because when it comes to the next patient who needs us, it’s never too far. 

Learn more or donate at STARS​.CA