Local HERO Foundation

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Local HERO Foundation

The Local Helicopter Emergency Response Organization (H.E.R.O.) Foundation exists to provide a 24/7 dedicated medevac helicopter to the Wood Buffalo area.

Foundation exists to promote and deliver 24/7 dedicated emergency helicopter services for the people of Northeastern Alberta.

06/01/2026

Every call is different. Every mission requires planning.

On Friday, HERO1 accepted a call south of Fort McMurray in the backcountry. At the time the call came in, our pilots were managing shift change while also monitoring multiple thunderstorms moving across much of northeastern Alberta.

There was no direct route to the patient due to the storms.

Before HERO1 could lift, the crew had to carefully assess the weather, identify a safe flight path around the storm systems, and coordinate the response. Thanks to that planning, HERO1 was able to navigate safely to the scene, where the onboard RMWB Emergency Services paramedics were ready to provide care on scene.

The patient was then flown directly to Edmonton for the higher level of care they needed.

This is the work that happens behind every mission — the decisions, coordination, skill, and teamwork that make each response possible.

Because in our region, emergency care doesn’t always follow a straight line. But Local HERO is built for this region, and ready for the calls that come.

05/22/2026

We were honoured to welcome the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, to the HERO hangar during her visit to Fort McMurray this week.

Thank you, Minister Olszewski, for taking the time to meet with us, learn more about Local HERO, and engage in such meaningful conversation about the emergency response needs of our region.

Local HERO was built for this region — for our vast geography, remote worksites, rural communities, northern highways, and the moments when saving time can mean saving lives.

We are grateful for the Minister’s understanding of the importance of this service and the role HERO1 plays in strengthening emergency readiness across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to listen, learn, and connect with our mission.

05/21/2026

Before HERO1 lifts off, readiness begins at the hangar.

Thanks to the generosity of Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre, Local HERO is proud to announce the new Rivers Casino Landing Pad — an electronic Heliwagon system that strengthens the safety and reliability of our 24/7 medevac operations.

This investment supports every mission before the rotors even turn, helping ensure our crews can launch safely when our community needs them most.

You can read the full media release here https://canva.link/skckdacrmwj6aqk.

Thank you, Rivers Casino & Entertainment Centre, for standing alongside Local HERO and investing in emergency readiness across our region.

Saving lives by saving time.

05/20/2026

May 17 – 23, 2026 is Paramedic Services Week, and we proudly recognize the dedicated Paramedics who serve our region with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment.

This year’s Paramedic Services Week theme, Improving Outcomes Together, reflects exactly what happens every time the crews of HERO1 and RMWB Emergency Services work side-by-side to bring advanced emergency care to patients across our vast and challenging region.

From remote highways and industrial sites to rural communities and the back country, collaboration between HERO1 crew and RMWB paramedics helps ensure patients receive critical care as quickly as possible, no matter the distance or terrain.

Two highly skilled paramedics fly on every HERO1 mission, bringing advanced medical expertise directly to the patient alongside our medevac flight crew. Their ability to adapt, respond under pressure, and provide compassionate care in difficult circumstances is nothing short of extraordinary.

To all paramedics serving our region: thank you for your dedication and commitment to improving outcomes together every single day.

05/15/2026

On April 29th, we were proud to welcome the RMWB Emergency Services Fire Fighter Cadet Program and their Training team to the HERO Hangar for specialized medevac training with HERO1.

The cadet program is made up of highly skilled paramedics taking the next step in their emergency services careers by becoming certified firefighters. As part of a modern, fully integrated emergency service, RMWB RES delivers both fire response and advanced life support care across our region. Two of their paramedics fly on every HERO1 mission.

During their visit, the cadets trained on how to safely work on, in, and around the HERO1 medevac helicopter alongside our flight crews, building the knowledge and teamwork that are so critical during emergency responses.

We are grateful for the strong partnership between Local HERO and RMWB Emergency Services, and for the incredible professionals who dedicate themselves every day to keeping our region safe.

Thank you to all of RMWB Emergency Services team for your commitment, service, and continued collaboration.

05/13/2026

We want to give one more shout out for an incredible night.

To everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered, attended, shared our message, and purchased raffle tickets — thank you.

HIGH STAKES: When Every Call Counts presented by Suncor was more than an event. It was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together in support of lifesaving care.

Because of you, our region’s only dedicated helicopter emergency medical service continues to stand ready, day or night, in every season, when every second matters.

From the laughter, tears, and stories, to the moments of reflection and impact, this evening would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors and guests. Thank you!

05/12/2026

Congratulations to Dustin and Vicki Greig, winners of the HIGH STAKES 50/50 Raffle!

Thank you for stopping by today to claim your prize and for taking the time to learn even more about the operations behind our region’s only dedicated helicopter emergency medical service.

It was truly a pleasure connecting with you both and sharing the impact your support helps make possible across our region.

Thank you again to everyone who purchased tickets and supported HIGH STAKES: When Every Call Counts, presented by Suncor. Every ticket purchased helps keep HERO ready to respond when every second matters.

05/11/2026

HIGH STAKES: When Every Call Counts was more than an event. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together in support of lifesaving emergency care.

Presented by Suncor, the evening brought together sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters for an unforgettable night of impact, storytelling, laughter, reflection, and community connection — all in support of the Local HERO Foundation and the region’s only dedicated Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the event raised more than $150,000 to help support ongoing medevac operations, training, equipment, readiness, and emergency response capabilities across Northeastern Alberta.

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.

Because where you live should never determine whether you live.

Read the full media release here: https://canva.link/r32jjl3ro4fzg0p

05/07/2026

HIGH STAKES: When Every Call Counts presented by Suncor was a night we won’t soon forget.

An evening filled with powerful stories, meaningful moments, laughter, tears, incredible food, an unforgettable video, friendly competition through the HERO Hand Game… and most importantly, 100% pure impact.

To everyone who joined us, sponsored, donated, volunteered, and supported this event — thank you. Because of you, lifesaving missions across our region continue.

We have received so many incredible messages about the evening, and we are truly grateful.

This is just the beginning. Media release and highlights are still to come… but for now, here’s a sneak peek behind the venue doors.

05/04/2026

50/50 WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

The excitement carried through to the very end at HIGH STAKES: When Every Call Counts, presented by Suncor on Saturday night… and we’re thrilled to share our winning moment!

Congratulations to the holder of:
Ticket # D-1537

You’re taking home $2,445!

To everyone who joined us for this incredible evening, and to those who supported by purchasing 50/50 tickets—thank you. Every ticket sold helps ensure that when the call comes, HERO is ready to respond.

Because of you, lives are being saved by saving time.

Address

1001 Saline Creek Parkway
Fort McMurray, AB
T9H0H8

Telephone

+17807990141

Website

https://localherofoundation.com/winning-split-raffle-kicks-off-with-hero-cmha-and-raffle-partner-birch-mountain-enterpri

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