Stars Air Ambulance has prodided hundreds of life saving trips to hospital for people all over the Foothills area over the years.

The air ambulance service made 18 trips to High River last year alone.

They're hoping their 24th annual lottery will be a sell-out, just like the 23 that came before it.

They are however feeling the pinch as the Alberta economy continues to suffer through the recession.

Vice President Mike Lamacchia says they have always sold out and they are optimistic they will sell out again this year.

Ticket sales are sitting at 65 per cent, compared to 88 per cent in 2016.

"This lottery is the single biggest fundraiser for us," said  Lamacchia. "It brings in about 11 million dollars annually."

It costs 10 million annually to run the Calgary team.

He added Albertans have been very loyal to the lottery over the years.