Around 110 people gathered on Nov. 29 for the grand finale of the LD Seeds annual, month-long ‘Staches for STARS fundraiser.
The celebration featured presentations by STARS representatives and stories from a very important patient (VIP). Mustache enthusiasts also competed for awards in various categories.
LD Seeds owner Lloyd Wiebe described the event as fantastic.
“It took place at Gables Wedding Barn this year. We enjoyed a delicious smoked BBQ brisket dinner courtesy of Ridgeville Colony Meat Shop, with the brisket expertly smoked by Ernie Wiebe and Dennis Froom.”
Tracy Mowdy from STARS presented details about the organization’s operations, their service areas, and the rising costs of missions, which have increased to $6,000 from $4,500 last year.
Wiebe shared a poignant comparison: “I have a friend in Minnesota whose grandson was flown from Sleepy Eye to a hospital in Minneapolis. It cost their insurance company $70,000. It’s about the same distance from here to Winnipeg. So that shows how lucky we are to have this free service in Manitoba.”
Garry Smyrski of Birds Hill recounted his harrowing experience in 2021 when a chunk of ice flew off a truck, smashing through his car window and injuring him.
“His wife took control of the vehicle and managed to stop,” Wiebe said. “The ambulance was there, and they decided to call STARS, who flew him to the Health Sciences Centre. He still has some healing to do, but he gives STARS the credit for him still being alive.”
The ‘Staches for STARS fundraiser, now in its eighth year, continues to grow. Since 2016, Wiebe and his family, friends, colleagues, and customers have grown mustaches in November to raise funds for local causes.
“We’ve got more and more people every year who want to participate. And even if they can’t attend the event, they still want to donate to the cause. We see such incredible generosity from local businesses, farmers, and suppliers.”
STARS is recognized as an essential service, especially in rural areas.
“It can make the difference between life and death, and just our ability to access critical care,” Wiebe said. “We’re fortunate to have Boundary Trails. But getting to Winnipeg during those critical minutes can be a huge challenge. Speed matters in those moments. Those helicopters carry everything they need to keep people alive until they get to the hospital.”
So far this year, STARS has made 53 missions into the Pembina Valley region, saving many lives.
Wiebe is delighted to announce that LD Seeds raised $127,000 this year, surpassing last year’s total of $113,000.
“It blows my mind … that would cover about 21 missions for STARS. Every year we’re amazed at how people step up and just give.
“We also shared with the crowd that we got our ‘Staches for STARS logo placed on a STARS helicopter last June to signify that we have raised over $250,000 for the organization. That was cool.”
Over the years, the event has raised a grand total of $397,000.
“It’s a community event. It’s not just us,” stressed Wiebe. “We coordinate it, but it’s the people and the companies that are supporting it.
“I want to thank our community, our businesses and customers, as well as those who contributed to the celebration. I’m grateful to my son Dylan and his wife Ravae for all the work they put into organizing the event. I also want to thank Brad and Ashley Wiebe for donating the Gables Wedding Barn. It’s a worthy cause, and it takes a community to bring an event like this together.”
