About Us

Sunday, September 26, 2010 marks the 18th annual Millarville Ride for STARS. This popular fund-raiser is held the last Sunday of September every year as the result of an initiative spawned by the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society, the Calgary Hunt Club, and a number of equestrian-minded Millarville residents.

Proceeds from the Ride, which prides itself on being close to a zero-cost event, go primarily to STARS Air Ambulance and secondarily, to Foothills Regional EMS. Over the years, this all-day gathering has been held on Millarville-Longview area properties, including lands owned by Rob Peters, Stan Carscallen, John Scott, Steve and Barb Hoar, among others.

The Ride is three-tiered: the Long Ride (about 4-1/2 hours in duration) leaves first following a hearty breakfast served up by Stampede Caravan. After an appropriate lull, the Short Ride (about 2 hours long) departs. And after that group has disappeared over the horizon, the Hunt Club charges off across the countryside.

Riders pay for the privilege of going on the Ride, but they are treated to a BBQ beef dinner afterwards and also receive a Ride souvenir t-shirt. A live auction and a silent auction of donated items are additional fund-raising features and always attract a barrage of spirited bidding.

The last couple of years have also seen pledges become an important source of fundraising.

Many of the members of the Ride Organizing Committee have been personally affected by the emergency flight service which STARS provides to the residents of Southern Alberta , so their dedication to the planning of this event reflects their enthusiasm for the organization. Some committee members have served since the inception of the Ride in 1993, believing that equestrians are particularly vulnerable and likely to need STARS' service.

Over the years, the STARS Ride has provided the Southern Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service with over $700,000, while at the same time allocating 10% of annual proceeds to the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Services group. We average close to 200 riders each year and many of those participants are repeat customers. They truly appreciate the camaraderie, the fabulous countryside with breath-taking scenery, and the opportunity to benefit STARS and FREMS. It is certainly an unbeatable way to buy "insurance" and get a tax receipt at the same time!