Morning Star Staff
Two search and rescue organizations in the North Okanagan and Shuswap have received a combined total of more than $163,000 from the B.C. government’s $10 million in one-time funding commitments to the B.C. Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA).
Vernon Search and Rescue will receive $100,000 and Shuswap Search and Rescue gets $63,651.58 to help bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for these critical public-safety lifeline volunteers.
“This extra funding helps cover the significant operating costs these organizations face each year,” said Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster. “As organizations that depend on volunteers, this extra boost will make a difference.”
The money received by the organizations will go toward activities such as training for technical search and rescue responses, personal protective equipment to ensure their members are safe, and other equipment that supports search and rescue operations.
“When a loved one goes missing, the men and women of search and rescue are a beacon of hope,” said Shuswap MLA Greg Kyllo.“These dedicated volunteers give assistance whenever they’re needed, often in the worst conditions, and I thank them for their efforts.”
The $10 million in BCSARA funding will take place over a two-year period, based on the proposed Alternative Support Model that was supported by its members.
These funding allocations are given according to the needs of the local ground search and rescue teams to replace or update equipment, provide administrative support and pay for new or additional training.
