Three Okotoks businesses are helping an emergency services organization reach for the STARS.
Okotoks Best Western Inn and Suites, Hubtown Brewing and D’Arcy Ranch Golf Club are participating in the Friends of STARS Experience Alberta Raffle, which offers travel opportunities across the province.
“The whole package allows winners to go to that community, maybe stay for a couple of nights, have some cool experiences that have been donated by local communities,” said Carla Minogue, of the STARS Experience.
People winning the Okotoks draw will receive an evening at the Best Western Suites Okotoks with a hot-plated breakfast the next day, Hubtown brewing is giving a tour of the facility and some pint glasses, and D’Arcy Ranch has chipped in a round of golf for four, including a meal at Jerry’s Restaurant.
“This is really a grassroots effort to raise money for STARS,” said Minogue. “As we were brainstorming we thought, how can this help the hard-hit tourism industry in Alberta?
“This gives people something to look forward to in 2021 and to get the word out that — once the restrictions are lifted — businesses will be open and give Albertans a chance to see things in their own backyard.”
The raffle offers winter and summer travel opportunities from the Peace Country to Lethbridge.
Roanne Bodnarchuk, owner of Okotoks Best Western Inn and Suites, said participating in the raffle is a win-win situation.
“We didn’t hesitate — we believe in the STARS Air Ambulance mission,” Bodnarchuk said. “It doesn’t matter where you work or travel, your chances of survival or what happens should not be affected.”
The fact the raffle deals with Alberta tourism was as attractive to Bodnarchuk as looking at the Canadian Rockies from the D’Arcy Ranch fairways.
“It’s been a very tough year for the tourism industry,” she said. “As a result, residents of Alberta have been somewhat limited as to what they can do and enjoy.
“For a combination of reasons, we jumped at the chance to be involved.”
She said the hotel industry is facing not only restrictions due to COVID-19, but also the hard hit to the Alberta economy.
“It has a been a very difficult year for hotels in Alberta,” Bodnarchuk said. “We not only have the pandemic to deal with, we also have the economy. When you close all of sports, businesses, travelling and there are no events or meetings like there would be had there not been a pandemic, it’s just a calamity.
“In Alberta we have a double whammy, with the economy.”
She said the fact the package is a springtime activity is good timing.
“The vaccine rollouts are starting to happen,” she said. “As more people get vaccinated, I think the world will start to become its new normal.
“It’s a great idea to support the Alberta backyard.”
The cost of a raffle ticket is one for $20 and three for $50 and can be purchased at www.friendsofstarsexperiencealberta.com.
