STARS air ambulance is hosting its signature fund-raising event of the year today. Rescue on the Island started four years ago in Manitoba and has raised $750,000 for the life saving service in that time. Base Director and Flight Paramedic Grant Therrien says the goal this year is a whopping $450,000.

"All for a good cause, all to raise money to help STARS continue to do the great things we do."

He explains that eight community and business leaders will spend the day stranded on an unknown island and will compete to reach their fund-raising goals in order to earn a flight back to civilization, using the only tool they'll have - their cell phones. Therrien adds the group will also have to complete a series of challenges.

"We challenge them to things like shelter building, encourage them to participate in other challenges which have a medical nature - something that our medical crews do. Every challenge is sponsored as well so there's an opportunity for them to add to their total for the day."

Each participant has a profile and a pledge-support page on STARS.ca where the public can see how much donations have come in and can make a contribution. Therrien says STARS will also be sending live updates via Tweets and Facebook posts so people can follow along as the day progresses.