Pegasus Project auctioning custom 1968 Mustang to support STARS

A brand new fundraising initiative is aiming to support the work of STARS air ambulance in Saskatchewan. The Pegasus Project is a custom built 1968 Ford Mustang 427 Fastback that is touring the province this summer.

The one-of-a-kind Mustang will eventually be auctioned at the 2022 Barrett-jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona with all the proceeds returning to STARS in Saskatchewan.

“We are going all across Saskatchewan to the Ford dealerships who are a sponsor of the Pegasus Project. We are in Swift Current today, tomorrow we will be in Moose Jaw. We are also heading to Prince Albert, Kindersley, Rosetown, Shellbrook, and Nipawin, so really all over the province,” explained Shari Lemon, Development Officer and Community Engagement, Stars Foundation.

This is the first time STARS have done a fundraiser like this and during a global pandemic it was a welcome addition to the fundraising efforts.

“We have had to pivot. Obviously our events really took a backseat. But what is amazing is the people of Saskatchewan still stepped up and donated through this whole thing and that is the reason why we’re here. We always say that Stars was built for the community by the communities. Even through a pandemic it’s just unreal how amazing our support in Saskatchewan is from the corporate donors to my mom who gives $20 to our monthly donors. It’s just unreal.”

Lemon was excited to be out on tour with the Pegasus Project.

“Pegasus is basically our first [event] out in the community, so it’s been really good to get back to and see everybody because we really haven’t been able to do anything for about 16 months.”

Lemon noted that STARS averages three flights per day in Saskatchewan.

“This will be our ninth year in Saskatchewan. We have flown over 7,000 missions in nine years to over 500 communities. Through a pandemic it got busier with flights. The support is just unreal.”

It costs $21 million to operate STARS in Saskatchewan

per year. The provincial government funds $10.5 million and then the balance is raised through events, corporate donors, and events like the Pegasus Project.

“It’s just so important because everyone is so rural, from the farmers to the people in the city who go to their lake cottages. Hopefully nothing ever happens, but we’re there if you need us. We wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for the donors and the support of this province,” said Lemon.

Further information can be found at https:// pegasusproject.ca.