STARS is an asset we need to support so we keep them in Manitoba; Yochim
Wallace District Fire Department Chief Brad Yochim has been rescued off a remote island by supporters who donated to the Foundation that supports helicopter air ambulance that has flown to many rural communities to transport those critically ill.
More than $310,000 has been raised, so far, by eight Manitoba business and community leaders at the fifth annual Rescue on the Island fundraising event for STARS air ambulance, held Thursday at a remote island site south of Pinawa.
Yochim’s campaign raised $20,000 and funds continue to be added.
“It was fun – it was a blast!” he said.
Mayor Jeff McConnell went ahead to the island as a volunteer with the set-up crew and to help out Virden Fire Chief. McConnell was a participant for the fundraiser himself, several years ago.
By 9:00 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14 Yochim arrived on the island. They put us through a few challenges. We had to set up a tent, we had to start a campfire, deal with a couple of medical challenges, that kind of thing.” By 3:30 p.m. the action was over.
STARS recruits new fundraisers every year. “You have to be chosen,” says Yochim. “They go looking for people. This is the second year in a row they have had a fire chief.” And, it’s becoming a tradition.
McConnell was busy as well. “He was my social media guy for the challenge that day,” says Yochim. “It was good to have him there.”
Yochim is the vice president of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs and he values theShock Trauma Air Rescue Service
“I know how important STARS is to every fire department in this province. Someday I might need them, my family might need them or one of my firefighters might need them.”
The participants were stranded on Carter Island Thursday morning. To secure their ‘rescue’ and return to civilization, they needed to fundraise as much as possible from the island using their mobile phones and personal networks.
“Typically in agriculture our accidents aren’t small accidents, they are usually traumatic accidents that need quick transportation to a trauma unit,” said Jim Green, a partner with G-Six Farms who raised over $100,000 for this event. “I’m just thrilled that people can see the value of STARS.”
Each individual participated in a series of challenges, including a flight readiness race, a simulated medical scenario and survival challenges. The opportunity to learn more about STARS’ operations hands-on through the challenges enabled participants to gain a deeper appreciation of the real-life challenges faced by the STARS medical and aviation crew.
This year’s brave participants include:
• Myrna Wiebe, Senior VP with Access Credit Union
• Justin Phillips, President, Sycamore Energy
• Brad Yochim, Fire Chief, Wallace District Fire Dept.
• Jennifer Blatz, Chief Admin Officer, RM of Ste. Anne
• Dr. Ginette Poulin, Winnipeg Family Physician
• Rhonda Linde, President, Crocus Country Gravel
• Bob Kozminski, President, Mematt Investments Ltd.
• Jim Green, Partner, G-Six Farms
An entertaining video from the island can be found here: http://starshorizons.ca/2017-stars-rescue-on-the-island/
