Canada's largest grain handling company Vitarra Inc. has committed over $450,000 to STARS.

The money will support the STARS calendar fundraiser, and cover the cost associated with producing the calendars.

"Last year was the first year that we sponsored the calendar, and it went over very well," said Kyle Jeworski, President and CEO of Viterra. "We sponsored the calendar and also sold calendars at all of our locations."

With Viterra covering the production of the calendars, all money raised by the fundraiser will go directly to STARS.

"So when you think about what does that mean 'they're sponsoring it with us?' they've given us a lot of money, which means money right into the mission" said CEO of STARS Andrea Robertson.

Viterra is headquartered in Regina, Saskatchewan and has been partnering with rural communities for over 100 years.

Robertson feels the partnership is important, due to the increased need for STARS in rural communities, that are not located near healthcare facilities.

"Our employees feel passionate about it, our customers feel passionate about supporting STARS, and we see it as a great gift fit for a company like us that is very rural focused." said Jeworski.

The announcement was made at the Viterra grain elevators outside Carstairs on Wednesday, July 27th.