HALO helicopter medevac.--SUBMITTED PHOTO COURTESY MARK MENNIE
A fundraiser launching today is aimed at keeping a regional-based helicopter ambulance service in the air.
French fry maker McCain’s and Western Tractor are soliciting donations for HALO rescue helicopter service, which says it will cease operating this summer after 13 years unless substantial new funding is secured.
To entice donations from the public, the potato processor that operates in Coaldale will offer 7,500 bags of french fries that have piled up as eating habits change during the COVID-19 pandemic to customers of Western Tractor that provide a donation to HALO.
The goal is to raise $100,000 while clearing out a backlog of fries.
“With Alberta potato farmers impacted by the shutdown of the food service sector as a result of the COVID- 19 pandemic and the recent news about HALO Air Ambulance, we wanted to do our part in ensuring those in our communities have the support and access to essential services they need,” said Steven Dyck, president of Western Tractor.
The effort is set to be announced this morning at an event in Coaldale. The actual giveaway will take place May 29 at Western Tractor dealerships in Medicine Hat, Burdett, Taber and Lethbridge. Each person is limited to two 6.5-kilogram bags, and is asked for a donation to HALO in return.
Ag industry observers noted months ago that french fry consumption was falling as most restaurants closed and others only offered take-out service as a way to contain the spread of the disease.
Last week, the air rescue society that operates in southeastern Alberta announced it will reduce operations to its single-engine helicopter – making transfers more complicated – at the beginning of June and then cease operations as of July 1 unless new funding is secured.
It is asking for $250,000 per month in operating grants from the provincial health ministry, which says a review is underway and due later this summer.
HALO is paid on a per-trip basis, but has long argued that stable base funding is required to guarantee the operation continues.
Support, but no funds: Hat mayor
Mayor Ted Clugston said the City of Medicine Hat will add its voice to a call for a new HALO funding agreement, will not financially support the rescue service.
“It’s not a municipal issue – I realize HALO serves the community – but it is health care and frankly the City of Medicine Hat cannot afford to subsidize a provincial responsibility,” he told reporters this week.
“We don’t have that kind of money, and it’s unfortunate what’s happened.”
Clugston said the issue of funding and air ambulance coverage in the region has been discussed for 13 years, and the issue arose again this week during a closed-door meeting between council members and Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes.
“We reiterated that we would expect the United Conservative government would treat all Albertans the same – the citizens of Calgary should have the same level of helicopter ambulance as a citizen of Medicine Hat or Burstall or Oyen,” said Clugston.
Cypress County and the County of Forty Mile have each voiced support for the service.
