The reeve of the County of Wetaskiwin No.10 has boosted a great provincial charity through some good luck.
Recently, Reeve Kathy Rooyakkers won a raffle draw at the November convention for the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, the association that lobbies on behalf of rural municipalities across Alberta. The raffle is sponsored by WSP Engineering and offers $1,000 annually to one lucky winner to donate to a charity of their choice.
Rooyakkers and County of Wetaskiwin council chose STARS air ambulance for the prize. WSP Engineering and STARS sent representatives to the County of Wetaskiwin Public Works committee meeting Dec. 13 for an official presentation.
“STARS is huge,” said Rooyakkers at the presentation. “I am very thrilled to have them here today.” The reeve noted she’s had family members who’ve benefitted from STARS’ service.
A press release from the County of Wetaskiwin stated, “STARS is my choice for a charitable organization because they have touched many lives throughout the County of Wetaskiwin, particularly in the more remote areas. I am grateful to the STARS organization for the excellent service they provide throughout Alberta and also to council for supporting my choice of charitable organizations.”
WSP Engineering representative Nathan MacLeod said the company is happy to offer the raffle prize every year because WSP is a proud supporter of local communities.
STARS senior development officer, major gifts, Danica O’Neill, said STARS puts donations to good use. “Every dollar does help keep us in the air,” she said to council.
STARS air ambulance flew 2,400 missions in 2015 in Alberta alone. The ambulance specializes in transporting trauma victims who need the quickest medical attention possible.
Coincidentally, O’Neill said STARS was just flying over the County of Wetaskiwin Dec. 13 as part of a training course.
Rooyakkers said it wasn’t easy to pick just one charity to support. “I know it is tough, because you could go to any local charity,” she added.