Over $440,000 was raised to support emergency care in the province during the Saskatchewan Critical Care on the Air Radiothon for STARS, blowing past their goal by tens of thousands of dollars.

The total listed on the radiothon page at the 6 p.m. close on Wednesday was $441,310. STARS was shooting for $400,000.

Jeri-Lynn Johnston, the executive director of fundraising for STARS Foundation, said the fundraiser’s impact will be realized in several ways.

“The money raised by this radiothon will make a big difference in ensuring STARS continues to provide critical care anywhere and will be available 24/7 to help those in need whether it is with the helicopter, or other mode of transport, or through a virtual setting of a physician providing care guidance through video or phone link, affecting outcomes.”

The Saskatchewan government funds about half of STARS' annual operational costs in Regina and Saskatoon. The remaining $10 million comes from fundraisers, such as the radiothon.

This was the third year for the radiothon. It ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday on 39 stations in Saskatchewan, including across Golden West's. This pushed the three-year total to around $1,184,000.

“We’re overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity from the individuals, groups and businesses across this great province that have made our third annual radiothon for STARS such a success,” said Johnston.