You can help STARS reach its STARS Radiothon goal of $350,000 while contributing in the memory of a local hero. 

Michael Duclos was born in Swift Current and obtained his pilot's license at the Swift Current Airport. He went on to become a decorated pilot in the Canadian Military before eventually becoming a pilot and instructor for STARS. 

Duclos wound up flying out of three major centres, including Saskatoon. It was during his posting to Saskatoon that he suffered a fatal heart attack, tragically losing his life at the STARS base on Jan. 11, 2021. 

Today, his mother, Linda Duclos, and his sister Lisa Entem, are accepting donations on behalf of STARS at Wheatland Mall, in his memory. 

"We're fundraising for STARS for our son," said Linda. "We keep in touch with STARS all the time and try to do things for them, as well as donate."

The Duclos family was always a big STARS supporter. But once Michael started flying for the emergency transport service, it took on a new meaning. 

"Since he flew there it seems like it's a big family there that keeps things moving along," said Linda. "We just try to support as much as we can. It means a lot, actually."

After obtaining his private pilot license at his hometown airport, Michael went on to join the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1989. After five years of service, he obtained his helicopter certification in 1994. He would go on to serve a tour of duty in Haiti in 1995.

A few years and two children later, Michael would end up in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, as a helicopter instructor for the Canadian Forces. 

It wouldn't be until 2010, in between which he and his wife would have another child, that Michael would retire. Although it seems that life on the ground couldn't hold him down for too long, as by 2013, he was working for STARS as a pilot and instructor based out of Winnipeg. In 2014, he transferred to Regina, and to Saskatoon in 2017 when he moved the family to the Bridge City. 

Sadly, only four years later, Michael and his family would be parted after a heart attack ended his life, on Jan. 11, 2021. 

"They had a wonderful tribute to him in Saskatoon and that was viewed by quite a few people I think online," said Linda. "It was during the pandemic and we couldn't have a proper funeral really for him. We had a graveside service in Cadillac, where he's buried."

To this day, the Duclos family cherishes his memory, working to ensure efforts are taken to emblaze his legacy in many of their efforts. Michael's work with STARS has left a mark in their hearts, as it did with people across Canada. The lives he saves with STARS have carved his family's belief in the organization's mission into stone. 

"Since we're so far away from everything, it only makes sense," said Entem. "We have always been so proud that that's what he did. He really, really, really enjoyed doing it. There were so many stories that he would tell. I think it's one of the best ones out there to give money to."

Last year, STARS flew its 10,000th Saskatchewan flight. That is 10,000 emergencies that if STARS hadn't been there, it may have been too late or even impossible to retrieve an individual. These skilled pilots and paramedics go where roads don't, ensuring that even in the most remote locations, a life can be saved. 

STARS needs roughly $20 million to function in Saskatchewan per year, out of both its Saskatoon and Regina bases. Half that money comes from the provincial government, while the remaining $10 million is generated through public donations. That money goes to fueling and maintaining the helicopters, training and paying staff, and keeping teams ready to fly with the necessary equipment. 

STARS' goal this year is to generate $350,000 during the Radiothon. Folks can donate in person in Swift Current at the Wheatland Mall or can do so online here.

In-person donations can be made with cash, cheque, or even with the tap of a debit or credit card. Anyone who is unable to donate online or in person can call the Viterra Lifeline at 1-877-50-STARS (507-8277).