Altona’s LD Seeds have once again exceeded their fundraising goal.
Their shop west of town was packed with supporters on Nov. 30 to celebrate the company’s annual ‘Staches for STARS fundraiser.
Along with a donated smoked BBQ brisket dinner, the roughly 130 guests heard presentations by STARS representatives and a VIP (Very Important Patient).
Every November, participants grow out their mustaches for the event, so special awards were given for a variety of categories including Best Dressed Mustache, The Little Stache That Could, and Most Well-rounded Stache.
The ag company’s owner Lloyd Wiebe has invited family, friends, colleagues, and customers to participate in the fundraiser since 2016.
The first year, the event raised $2,500 for Eden Health Care Services. This year, they exceeded their $75,000 goal, raising over $90,000 for STARS.
“STARS is an important service, especially to all of us in rural Manitoba, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed and helped us exceed our goal once again,” Wiebe said.
Last week’s celebration began with the arrival of the STARS helicopter at the yard site, with the Altona Fire Department setting up a landing zone.
Grant Therrien, provincial director of Manitoba operations for STARS, was among the organization’s delegation in attendance. He noted that ‘Staches for STARS is quite an important event for them.
He said STARS is proud to be the chosen charity for the fundraiser, and he is blown away by how much money has been raised by the company and all their supporters to date.
“It really shows the support that we have in southern Manitoba here in these communities with Lloyd Wiebe as the champion here at LD Seeds, but also all the family and friends and vendors and clients and supporters that are here.”
Therrien added that it’s because of their many supporters that the non-profit organization can provide the critical care that it does.
“A big part is the foundation that supports our initiatives. The technology, the training, and the ability to have the best equipment on board is because of them, and all the community supporters we have. We’ve even had kids come in and give us their birthday money.
“Every dollar raised in Manitoba stays in Manitoba. STARS was built for the community by the community. We are so grateful for your support. To us, you are all champions.”
The STARS program flies 700 missions a year. In 2023, 14 of those calls were made to the Altona/Rhineland area. Each mission costs roughly $800 to execute.
“We can’t do this alone,” Therrien said. “We’re just one of the links in the chain of survival, from the time somebody calls 911, to the responders, paramedics, firefighters, police and the helicopter, to the people waiting at the hospital at the other end.”
Community engagement officer Tracy Mowdy said fundraisers like this truly display the value of community.
“It’s so important for STARS to attend these events and recognize that we are part of the community, we’re here for them, and critical care anywhere is important. Being able to access rural communities quicker than an ambulance is important to people and this is how they show it, by holding events like this, raising money, and giving back to us. For coming out and helping family members, friends, relatives, brothers, sisters, parents, and everybody we’ve helped. Everybody that we’ve touched. It seems everybody knows somebody who was assisted by STARS.”
LD Seeds co-owner Dylan Wiebe was also sporting a moustache at the event, and said it was so special to see the support they get year after year.
“It’s just incredible. I haven’t seen anything like it before. It really is about community. There are numerous local families that have been helped by STARS. Most of us are either related to or know someone who has used this service. We surpassed our goal again, and it’s just amazing to see.
“Often when we set a goal, I think it’s quite lofty. But when the building fills up, and you get to hear a VIP’s experience, and you get to talk to the people from STARS, it’s heartwarming and comforting to know you have these good people taking care of you.”
For Lloyd Wiebe, all the campaigning and preparing for the event is worth the effort.
He says he’s deeply grateful to everyone who was a part of it and has supported the cause through the years.
“Thanks to all the local businesses and farmers, and all the sponsors who made this possible, and everyone who participated and donated. And thanks to STARS for all that they do. It’s an honour to work with a group of such dedicated professionals and to help make this fundraiser a success. We look forward to seeing everybody again next year.”
