When you hear the sound of a STARS helicopter, you know it is involved in a life-saving mission.

When you buy your STARS lottery ticket, you join the fight to save lives.

The 25th edition of the STARS lottery launched January 11, offering 3,034 prizes, valued at $4.7 million.

LUCKY STARS 50/50 is back again and this year a lucky ticket buyer could win up to $1.75 million.

“STARS relies on the support of our allies across Alberta to keep us on the cutting edge of critical care,” said STARS President and CEO Andrea Robertson. “The need is real. Every day, STARS responds to an average of five emergency calls. A $25 STARS lottery ticket gives you the chance to win some terrific prizes and ensures that each person who needs emergency medical care receives it quickly.”

“The sight of a red STARS helicopter is a beacon of hope for those in their moments of need,” said Robertson. “When you support STARS, you ride along with us on every mission.”

There are a number of ticket packages in this year’s lottery, ranging from one ticket for $25 to 18 tickets for $250.

There are three grand prize show homes, a $500,000 dream fund, a $350,000 early bird prize, four high-end vehicles or their cash value, ten terrific vacation packages, and two STARS flights for two winners.

The three luxury grand prize homes are located in Edmonton, Calgary and Lethbridge and are worth a total of more than $2.8 million.

Each ticket purchased is eligible to win any or all of the homes.

A fourth grand prize in this year’s lottery is a $500,000 cash prize.

The Early Bird prize this year is $350,000 cash and is available to be won by those who buy their tickets before the early bird February 28 cutoff date.

There are also two chances to board STARS and see the inside workings of the life-saving helicopter and go on a flight over Alberta.

Buyers are eligible for all prize draws if tickets are purchased prior to the applicable deadlines.

After each draw, the ticket stub goes back into the drum.

Lottery ticket prices are 1 for $25, 3 for $60, 6 for $100 and 18 for $250.

Lucky STARS 50/50 tickets are 1 for $10, 5 for $25 and 15 for $50.

Visit starslotteryalb erta.ca or call 1-888- 880-0992.

Early bird draw is March 16, with ticket cutoff on February 28. All final draws will be held on April 12 with ticket sales cutoff on March 22.

Lottery licence number is 473220. LUCKY STARS 50/50 licence number is 473221.

STARS provides specialized emergency medical care and transportation for critically ill and injured patients.

The physicians, nurses, paramedics and pilots work with a team of dedicated support staff and community partners to save lives.

STARS in Alberta has bases in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie.

For more information contact: Dean Faithfull, Lottery Manager, Black Fund Development Inc. (403) 543-2747