The STARS Air Ambulance Pegasus Project Mustang has been making its way across the province raising funds for that organization's new fleet of helicopters. On Friday, it made two stops in the southwest, the first in Maple Creek and then later in Swift Current at the local Ford dealerships.

The Pegasus Project is a custom-built 1968 Ford Mustang 427 Fastback that made its first appearance last month in Humboldt at the unveiling of the tour.

According to Jeri-Lynn Johnston, the Director of Donor Relations and Development with Saskatchewan STARS Foundation, the tour itself was a quirk of fate that came about because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

"It's a proud moment for us. The car was supposed to go to Barrett Jackson in 2021, but because of COVID we delayed the project and decided that since the car was done and ready to go, it was a great opportunity to showcase it and kind of show it off through the province."

The vehicle was custom built by Creative Concepts in Warman, led by Byron Thiessen. But Johnston says that they've had a lot of support from suppliers that have helped with the car as well as getting the project off the ground with a few generous donors.

With high-profile ambassadors such as Saskatoon actor Kim Coates of Sons of Anarchy fame, the vehicle will eventually make its way to Las Vegas, where it will first show itself off at the SEMA show in November and then be auctioned off at the world-famous Barrett Jackson auction.

The money raised through both the tour and the eventual sale will go towards the same capital project that is currently being used to fund the organization's upgrade campaign.

As Johnston explains;

"Every year in Saskatchewan it costs STARS approximately $10 million to operate a base...We do receive half of our funding from the provincial government, which we're so grateful for. However, a few years ago we launched a capital campaign to help replace our ageing helicopter fleet."

The tour through Saskatchewan has already made 10 stops, with more to go before wrapping up at the end of August.  For the full list of dates, look to the Project Pegasus website.