A Manitoba farm family is growing 40 acres of soybeans in support of STARS Air Ambulance.

The Verwey family, which operates Verwey Farms in the Portage La Prairie area, will donate the net profits from the crop to STARS. Verwey Farms has also challenged their fellow Manitoba farmers to show their support of STARS by following their lead.

“Living in a rural community, we think it is important to not only give back to our community, but to help keep our neighbors safe,” said Jill Verwey who noted the family was spurred to action after hearing the recent Critical Care on the Air Radiothon which aired across Golden West radio stations in Portage La Prairie, Steinbach and Winkler on May 16 and 17. “STARS helps save lives every day and continues to prove just how important the service they provide is for our rural communities. So Verwey Farms is challenging our fellow Manitoba farmers to join us in supporting STARS and the work they do to help critically ill and injured patients in our province.”

Jill says the crop is looking really good, thanks to some recent rains that passed over the area.

Any families interested in taking up the Verwey’s challenge can contact STARS Development Officer Lori Derksen at 204-833-4619 or lderksen@stars.ca.