Edmonton, AB – Thirty-one courageous people took the plunge into icy waters on January 11 at the Royal Glenora Club in Edmonton to raise money for the 5th Annual Sutton Polar Bear Dip for the STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service). This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising $15,667. As always, the Dip was an important fundraiser for STARS and a popular community event. Participants and well-wishers were treated to a visit from the STARS helicopter which came in for a spectacular landing before being called away on an emergency mission.

Icy, cold water certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of, Dave Schroder of Sutton – Polaris Realty, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee. “This event is important because of the lives saved by STARS,” says Schroder. “Meeting people who feel beyond a doubt that they would not be here, if not for STARS, is powerful. Any one of us, or our loved ones, could one day be in a situation where the difference between life and death is STARS. The goal of this event is to raise money and awareness for STARS, and to show the public that Sutton Realtors are involved in the community in a meaningful way.”

Several other Sutton sales associates for the Edmonton, Spruce Grove, Sherwood Park and St. Albert offices also helped to organize and promote the Dip, including; Mike Sommerfield and Denis Blezy of Sutton Group – Challenge Realty, Mohamed Elkayal and Keith Hare of Sutton Group – North Star Realty, Lynne Pipella and Carole Switzer-McColeman of Sutton Group – Nor-Vista Realty, Morgan Lindmark and Dave Tarrant of Sutton Group – Leading Realty, Christopher Sadelain and Bob McFarlane of Sutton – Premier Real Estate, Andy Bernard and Jennifer Sutton of Sutton Group – Synergy Realty and Teresa Koziel of Sutton – Polaris Realty.

The Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service is a lifesaver in cases of critical illness and injury in remote areas of Alberta and southeastern British Columbia. When traditional ambulances cannot reach victims in time, STARS comes to the rescue. They operate two primary medivac helicopters, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary. In 2002, STARS carried out 1,115 critical rescue missions.

Funding for STARS is reached through contributions from individuals, businesses, the Alberta government and important fundraisers such as the Sutton Polar Bear Dip.

Sutton associates are making a dramatic difference in communities across Canada through their caring and generous Sutton Spirit. They donate their time and skills by coaching, organizing fundraisers, volunteering and teaching. Their dedication and commitment is helping to improve the quality of life for countless Canadians. Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated public company with more than 7,200 associates in 189 offices nation-wide.

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Media Contact: Sutton Group
Leanne D. Chan Dir. (604) 691-1622 leanne@sutton.com