Encana Corporation’s support for the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) surpassed $2.5 million recently after the energy company presented a donation of $200,000 at the STARS Calgary Base.
Pat MacDonald, vice-president of human resources and communication with Encana Corporation, and Brent Harrison, vice-president of environment, health and safety with the Canadian division of Encana Corporation, made the presentation to STARS’ officials, including the on-duty flight crew.
“Encana and our legacy companies have supported STARS since 1989. Encana recognizes the value and importance of an organization like STARS and sees it as an integral part of a safe and healthy community,” said MacDonald. “For Encana, STARS is also an important partner in health and safety of our workers and contractors in the field. STARS ensures safe and fast access to life-saving emergency services and that means greater safety coverage for field workers who operate in remote areas.”
The funding will be provided to STARS over two years. Half of the $200,000 will be used for STARS’ general operations, $50,000 will be focused on operations of the STARS Grande Prairie base, and the remaining $50,000 will help to fund STARS’ mobile education program, a human patient simulator training unit that provides medical and emergency response training in remote communities. Encana has long supported STARS initiatives and participated in STARS safety programs. The company was a major contributor to the launch of the STARS Grande Prairie base. Aside from $2.5 million to date in donations, Encana has contributed more than $500,000 towards STARS Emergency Link Centre site registration and work alone programs, on a fee-for-service basis.
“We cannot thank Encana Corporation enough for its extraordinary level of support,” said Dr. Greg Powell, STARS chief executive officer.
“Encana’s donation will directly contribute to our ability to respond to emergencies involving critically ill and injured patients, while also enabling STARS to continue providing medical education programs and training to emergency services and health care providers.”