The radiothon was held this week Wednesday and Thursday.

A spokesperson for STARS says they are thrilled by the response of this week’s radiothon.

The Critical Care on the Air Radiothon on AM1250, MIX 96 and Country 107 raised more than $114,000 for STARS air ambulance.

“I’m super happy,” says Lori Derksen, Development Officer with STARS.

She says that amount is well ahead of last year’s total. This is the third year that STARS has partnered with Golden West with this initiative.

Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, Doerksen had the privilege of working the phone, taking donations from donors.

“I think I had probably close to six or seven patients that we haven’t met yet at STARS, identify themselves and make donations,” she says. “So, to me, that’s what it’s all about. That’s what the event’s about, that’s what my work as a funds raiser is about. So those were the highlights for sure.”

Derksen says the money raised this week will help keep them in the air. The air ambulance receives government funding but also relies on private donations to fund items outside of general operations. This includes ultrasound equipment and their blood on board service.

According to Derksen, it has been a challenging year for STARS because of COVID-19. The pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of festivals, which STARS would normally attend.

“What I felt (this week) was just a reality check on why we are doing this and why the donors are doing this,” she says. “It’s because of what we’re doing every day out there. Our crew is amazing. They are saving lives and to hear the stories coming in through the phone.”

Derksen notes the crew is also appreciative of what went on over the airwaves this week. She notes one of their flight nurses recently said that every donor is in the air with them.

“That’s always just struck me as such a special way to look at it,” says Derksen. “If you donate twenty dollars, you are part of the STARS family and you are in the air with the crew.”