Stars Air Ambulance is hoping its 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 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.

"Final cut off is March 22 and the early bird is March 1, we are still optimistic, we still have some time."

There are other lotteries competing for dollars right now.

He added Albertans have been very loyal to the lottery and while things are tough the price of the single tickets, at $25 each, is still affordable.

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