Submitted by Columbia Valley Search and Rescue

Columbia Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) is excited to launch its first- ever annual fundraising campaign. The organization is raising funds to replace aging equipment. Specifically, CVSAR needs two replacement 4×4 trucks and an all-terrain vehicle.

The Columbia Valley Search and Rescue team is 100% volunteer, and this equipment will improve incident response: increasing a victim’s chance of survival and ensuring the safety of the rescue team.

“Our response area is large with few paved roads”, says Scott Chaffey, president of Columbia Valley Search and Rescue. “Most of our access is by backcountry roads that require high- clearance and 4-wheel drive. Having reliable 4×4 trucks and an ATV will provide us dependable access increasing our chances of a successful mission.”

Additionally, the need for these committed and highly trained volunteers is increasing. The Columbia Valley has an outdoorsy and active population, and increased visitation to the area is resulting in more rescue calls. CVSAR is graciously seeking donations towards this needed equipment. These donations will also help CVSAR apply for grants that require the organization to have 50% of the equipment costs.

Donations are accepted online at https://columbiavalleysar.ca/. From the website select, Donate online. Donations may also be sent to Box 2123, Invermere or by e-transfer to [email protected]. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations.

About Columbia Valley Search and Rescue:

CVSAR is our local mountain search and rescue team dedicated to saving lives through search, rescue, emergency disaster response, and mountain safety education.

CVSAR is tasked through requests from the RCMP, the BC Ambulance Service, local fire departments or the BC coroner service. CVSAR is used when specialized skills are required when accessibility into the backcountry is limited. The CVSAR team is 100% volunteer and available to help in search and rescue situations anywhere in the Columbia Valley.