Three Manitoba business and community leaders will put their survival and fundraising skills to the test September 9, 2020 during STARS Rescue on the Island.

With more than $1.5 million raised since the event began in 2013, Rescue on the Island continues to be one of STARS’ most important fundraisers. Factoring in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to move forward with a scaled-down version of the event with several precautions in place to ensure the safety of all involved.

As in past years, the participants will be stranded on an island in the Whiteshell area of the province. Throughout the day they’ll work to earn their “rescue” and return to civilization by using their mobile phones to fundraise with their corporate and personal networks. They will also take part in several challenges to earn additional money towards their fundraising totals. These challenges will give our participants a chance to experience a day in the life of a STARS crew member.

This year’s participants are:

  • Al Babiuk, President and CEO – Loewen Windows and Doors
  • Bernhard Teichroeb, Sales and Project Manager – Wiebe’s Steel Structures, Morden
  • Sarah Normandeau, Councillor, RM of Ste. Anne/Recreational Services Manager – Town of Ste. Anne

Colleen Mayer, STARS Director of Development for Manitoba, said safety is a core value of STARS and the non-profit organization has put in an exhaustive amount of work so that the Rescue event can proceed.

“The safety of our participants, STARS team members and volunteers is our chief concern and we have taken a number of precautions to ensure all involved can safely enjoy this terrific event,” Mayer said. “Among the many measures we have put in place are mandatory masks, social distancing and decreasing the number of participants, volunteers and staff involved in the event.”

Lori Derksen, STARS Development Officer, Events, said all funds raised during Rescue on the Island will stay in the province to ensure the next time a Manitoban needs world-class critical care and rapid transport to hospital, STARS will be there.

Derksen also thanked the three participants for taking on the formidable task of fundraising during a global pandemic.

“As STARS has experienced first-hand, this is not an easy time for fundraising, so we are sincerely grateful to Al, Bernhard and Sarah for their commitment and perseverance,” said Derksen. She added that the trio has combined to raise more than $120,000 with one week to go until the event.

To support any of the three Rescue participants, visit rescueontheisland.ca and select the participant you would like to contribute to.

STARS will have a backup helicopter for this event, with the active on-duty aircraft mission-ready at the Winnipeg base.