‘Something fantastic has to come out of something so tragic’: STARS Pegasus Project kicks off in Humboldt

“Something fantastic has to come out of something so tragic,” he said. “That’s to me the fundamental message and the reason we are doing this.”

He added that the Broncos crash is a major piece of the Pegasus Project, but it’s much more of a wide scope than that.

“The bus crash is not why we’re raising money for STARS, but the bus crash is the genesis of it,” Wyant said. “It is singularly the one thing in the province of Saskatchewan when you ask about STARS, people will remember that bus crash.”

Pegasus Project co-chair’s Vaughn Wyant (Left) and Wayne Halabura (Right). (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

There were a number of other speakers at the event, including Lonnie Gobeil, father of Morgan Gobeil who was a member of the 2017/2018 Humboldt Broncos, and was the “last man back” froma hospital. Gobeil told the story about their relationship with STARS and what it means to them.

Lonnie Gobeil spoke about his families experience with STARS. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

Wyant said hearing that story is emotional, just like many other Very Important Patients of STARS.

“When you hear these VIP’s talking, it’s just hard not to break down,” Wyant said.

He added that seeing how much a story like that affects people, he knows they’re doing this project for the right reasons.

Kaleb Dahlgren, another member of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos is an ambassador for the project and said it means the world for him to help and be back in Humboldt for the kick off.

“I didn’t know about the service until after I needed it, and after our team needed it after the crash,” Dahlgren said. “And so STARS Air Ambulance saves lives not just on April 6, but every day.”

Kaleb Dahlgren. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

Among Dahlgren are a number of high profile Saskatchewan people that are also ambassadors for the project. NHLers Jaden Schwartz, Tyler Bozak, and Luke and Brayden Schenn are all helping out with the project, as well as Hollywood actor Kim Coates. Dahlgren said seeing all the different ambassadors for the project, it really shows what Saskatchewan is.

“It shows how bright of people we have in Saskatchewan,” he said. “And this project has quite an amazing group of people.”

Dahlgren published a book recently called ‘Crossroads’, and some of the funds from those book sales throughout the summer will go towards this project for STARS.

Premier Scott Moe also spoke at the event and said since 2012, when STARS came to Saskatchewan, it has helped the province a great deal and a project like this really brings the province together to make things happen.

“Everything from Hollywood actors to NHL hockey players,” Moe said. “That is exactly what Saskatchewan is, and the people never forget where they came from, no matter the successes they achieve in their lives.”

Scott Moe (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

The money from the Pegasus Project isn’t just going to STARS though, as about 50 per cent of the funds raised at each of the 33 stops on the “Road Show” will go to local first responders.

STARS president and CEO Andrea Robertson said STARS needs those local first responders to make their fleet run smoothly.

“We can’t land a helicopter without a police officer, a paramedic, a firefighter,” she said. “So, it takes a village to look after someone who is critically ill or injured.”

STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson. (Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

Over $2 million has already been raised for the Pegasus Project this year thanks to a few major donations from Conexus Credit Union, MNP, Lakefield Law, and Cameco who donated $500,000 each.

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mat.barrett@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @matbarrett6

by Mat Barrett

‘Something fantastic has to come out of something so tragic’: STARS Pegasus Project kicks off in Humboldt

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