Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 12, 2009 12:00 PM
A cash infusion will allow a dedicated group of North Okanagan volunteers help those in need. Vernon Search and Rescue will receive $35,000 from the province’s community gaming grants. “We were skeptical we’d receive anything so it’s really good news,” said Leigh Pearson, president, referring to the reduction in many government grants. “It means we can update equipment and send people to training courses, which are expensive.” In the case of equipment, and particularly for rope rescue, the dollar figures involved can be significant for the 50-member non-profit society. “Everything has a limited life,” said Pearson of the need to replace items.The unit responds to about 40 calls per year, including missing people and rescuing individuals, whether they are trapped down a bank or in a river.
Another benefit from the $35,000, is the unit can focus more on training than on fundraising. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, which is hosted by the unit annually, can raise $10,000 to $12,000. “That’s a huge amount of work,” said Pearson of the organizing. With the future of government grants currently uncertain, Pearson isn’t sure if the $35,000 is the end of support. “We have to cross our fingers and wait and see what happens. The economy is getting better so who knows,” he said.
Also in this region, the Shuswap Volunteer Search and Rescue Society will get a $72,279 community gaming grant. The society plans to use the money to acquire two snowmobiles, four ATVs and provide avalanche training to its members.
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