| December 8, 2009 MORE THAN $72,000 BOOSTS LOCAL SEARCH & RESCUE SALMON ARM - Shuswap Volunteer Search & Rescue Society (SVSAR) will get a $72,279 boost from Community Gaming Grants to purchase new equipment and provide advanced training. “Successful rescues often come down to quick response times,” says George Abbott, Shuswap MLA. “This funding will help improve equipment, increase training and provide public information which will ultimately keep our backcountry safer.” Shuswap Volunteer Search & Rescue Society plans to use this funding to purchase two snow mobiles, four ATVs and provide in-depth avalanche training to its volunteers. “Without access to Gaming Grants, groups such as ours and the communities we serve and depend on for financial assistance would be extremely hard-pressed to purchase much-needed equipment,” says Donald W. Reed, Search Manager with SVSAR. “This new equipment will allow us to field three search teams, helping us reach victims faster and in an efficient, effective manner, creating a safer environment for everyone involved in the search and rescue effort.” Government gaming grants allow eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues to support a broad range of programs and services. The recipients of these grants use their funding to increase public safety by upgrading equipment and training, benefiting the community overall. To learn more about the Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch, visit www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/gaming/index. For weather and search updates as well as volunteer information, visit the B.C. Search & Rescue Association website at www.bcsara.com. -30- | |
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