Members of STARS air ambulance were in Estevan yesterday at a barbecue to raise money for the organization. 

"Every time that helicopter goes up in the air," shared Marliss Wasylyniuk with STARS, "we say it's an average of about $5,400 per mission. As a foundation team, we're here to raise about $10.5 million per year. We're grateful to our provincial government for giving us the other $10.5 million. Every donation counts."

In 2017, STARS flew to Estevan around 22 times. Since the helicopter can travel at speeds over 250 km/hr, it means that it can take off in Regina and get to Estevan in under an hour.

"STARS has definitely been out on the community so we thank you for the support. The community of Estevan is just amazing."

According to Lisa Schenher from the Suburban Hotel who hosted the barbecue, $3,080 was raised through donations with another $560 raised through the sale of the calenders. They believe approximately 350 people attended the event. 

"We thank the public for coming out," Schenher added. "We never could have imagined that we could raise that much money for them."

She added that they are already planning to have STARS back next year and raise even more money for the group.