Written by Maury Wrubleski

The final push is on for STARS Air Ambulance Pegasus Project with former Humboldt Bronco Kaleb Dahlgren leaning in for the finish. Dahlgren announced that he’ll be donating 100 percent of his No. 1 National best seller, Crossroads, to the campaign. Dahlgren has served as the Project Pegasus ambassador as part of the multi-year fundraising initiative. 

January 28 marks the day when the project’s custom-built 1968 Ford Mustang 427 Fastback will be sold as a feature charity car at the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The annual televised auction draws millions of viewers from around the world and extracts premium prices for its one of a kind listings. 

Along with his announcement, Dahlgren challenged the public to match his contribution over the next week to raise more than $100,000 combined for the emergency service. 

“I have a lofty goal, but I think we can make it happen,” said Dahlgren. “The whole intent of Crossroads was for it to help others, and I can confidently say that my donation along with yours will assist in helping save people’s lives for years to come.” 

The locally built, one-of-a-kind Pegasus car was officially revealed to the Saskatchewan public in June 2021 at an event in Humboldt, kicking off a months-long road show, hosted by more than 30 Prairie Ford Dealers across Saskatchewan to raise funds and awareness for STARS and local first responders.

“The Humboldt Broncos incident inspired us, and the stories of so many others whose lives have been saved by STARS propelled us forward to this exciting conclusion with absolute enthusiasm,” said Pegasus Project co-chair Vaughn Wyant. 

Renowned Saskatchewan born actor Kim Coates supported the project with a personal appearance alongside the auto at the international SEMA Convention and automotive trade show in Las Vegas. Coates has made other online and media appearances supporting the project. 

“The Pegasus Project has been an interesting journey, and it’s been exceptionally gratifying to work with our dedicated team, all of whom care tremendously about both the life-saving work of STARS and the people of Saskatchewan,” said Wyant.

STARS “Keep the Fight in Flight” ongoing capital campaign has been active since 2018 with the mission of renewing its fleet by putting new medically equipped Airbus H145 helicopters into service at a cost of $13 million each. 

With just over $3 million left to raise, the charity hopes to wrap up its landmark fundraising campaign in the next few months and will see the remainder of the new fleet enter service across Western Canada through 2022. “What an incredible ride this has been! Thanks to the business leaders behind the Pegasus Project for their vision and to Kaleb for his incredible generosity,” said Andrea Robertson, STARS president and CEO. “We look forward to an exciting final week of fundraising ending with the sale of this amazing car, knowing that the community’s support of the project will enable us to fight for the lives of patients across our province for decades to come.” 

Donations to Kaleb Dahlgren’s challenge in support of the Pegasus Project and STARS can be made at support.stars.ca/MatchingCrossroadsBookProceeds.