2021 PSAC STARS and Spurs Gala Campaign raises an outstanding $1 Million in support of STARS

CALGARY, AB (June 16, 2021) – The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) proudly held the last two of three planned 2021 events for its 27th annual STARS & SPURS Gala Campaign, bringing total funds raised since its inception to more than $18 million for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). This is the longest-running and largest fundraiser in Alberta, on behalf of STARS. The Campaign achieved $1 million raised between the Live Industry Auction event, co-presented by Bennett Jones and Di-Corp held on June 10, 2021, the 50/50 lottery that concluded June 8, 2021 and the previously held Safe@Home gala February 27, 2021, presented by Precision Drilling.
Dave McHattie, Chair of the PSAC STARS and Spurs Gala Committee, Vice Chair of PSAC, and Vice President Institutional Relations for Tenaris Canada, said, “The oil and gas industry continues to work together to achieve positive safety outcomes and support healthy communities where we operate. The support for the essential medical services STARS provides is an example of this commitment to safety. We recognize and support the important role STARS plays covering the western Canadian sedimentary basin from its 6 bases.”
“Once again, Canada’s oil and gas industry has demonstrated incredible generosity even in challenging economic times," said Elizabeth Aquin, Interim President and CEO of PSAC. "The community spirit and appreciation of all that STARS does for everyone in their time of need, was evidenced by the competitive bidding on auction items and by auction donors offering second, and sometimes, third packages, to runner-up bidders. Health and safety for everyone regardless of your location is clearly one of Our Essential Canadian Values, the theme of this year’s campaign. We are also very grateful to all of the generous sponsors listed below.”
Guests at the virtual PSAC STARS & SPURS Live Industry Auction on June 10 were entertained by host Dave Kelly, award-winning artist George Canyon singing O Canada, and Richie Brothers auctioneering. Guests generously bid on 19 donated auction items, most of which were provided by PSAC members. In addition to the indigenous land recognition there was a special indigenous item auctioned through the West Totem Collab project, a hand-carved totem pole, commissioned by Mark McNeill, Stream Flo, carved by world-renowned artist Ray Natraoro from the Squamish First Nation in BC.
“We couldn’t be more proud of this loyal and generous partnership with PSAC and its members,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS. “Your unwavering support of this event, in support of STARS for the past 27 years is incredible. There is no greater proof that the Canadian philanthropic spirit is alive and well than you contributing to the care of our most vulnerable patients. Thank you for riding along with us on every mission.”
In addition to representatives from the energy sector, the event featured a Very Important Patient who shared her story to help remind us of the essential medical service provided by STARS.
McHattie added, “Like the energy industry that PSAC members are an essential part of, we innovated our fund raising in the challenging COVID-19 environment into three separate elements. The $1 million contribution to STARS would not have been possible without the collaboration between PSAC members in the service, supply and manufacturing sector of Canada’s energy industry, their valued exploration and production clients, and their combined supply chain. This year community members in Alberta were able to participate through the 50/50 lottery. We look forward to extending the successes achieved this year in support of STARS in 2022.”