A large donation to STARS Air ambulance from the Mosaic company will have a major impact lives in this province.

As one of those, Mike Herbison suffered major injuries when in 2016, his vehicle collided with a semi truck carrying gravel on a highway north of Regina. Thanks to the quick action of STARS air ambulance, Herbison was able to get to hospital and he credits STARS for his quality of life today.

“Just giving back as much as I can because they gave me my life,” said Herbison, speaking at an event where Mosaic donated $2.5 million to help STARS support their ongoing missions and buy three new H145 aircraft. “Without STARS and how fast they responded, I don’t know what that end result would be but I’m sure it would be different today .”

Herbison was driving to a potential jobsite to give a quote, as he recalled, on a bright sunny July day in 2016, Herbison’s vehicle hit a gravel truck head on. Airbags in his vehicle were all deployed, but he awoke in the wreckage realizing his hand was nearly fully severed as well as with serious head and body injuries.

But Herbison, a father of three, said STARS was there within minutes and were able to help him on the initial stages of his road to recovery.

“That’s why I’m here today, is to show that appreciation to everyone, (and) give that thank you to STARS, Mosaic and the Government of Saskatchewan,” Herbison said. “Without you guys, I would not be here,  standing here in front of you today.”

Since STARS began operating in 2012 in Saskatchewan, MOSAIC has donated over 10.5 million dollars.

It’s estimated that over 900 calls annually go to STARS.

“Over 900 missions flown in a year, and that’s 900 individuals, and that’s actually over 900 families that (have been) kept together,” Herbison said. “And I say that because I have three beautiful daughters, a fantastically supportive girlfriend, and and I have the utmost gratitude towards STARS and everyone that is involved.”

STARS renamed its hangar at the airport to reflect their appreciation for the support, calling it the Mosaic Hangar at STARS Regina.