All 2022 funding received from the B.C. Government has now been disbursed to ground search and rescue (GSAR) groups across the province. This is the BC Search and Rescue Association’s first year to receive sustainable provincial funding. This funding is a unique agreement in Canada and a first for B.C.
“This is the culmination of many years of hard work by many leaders before me and, on behalf of the search and rescue volunteers, I thank them for their efforts,” said Chris Mushumanski, president of the association. “I also want to thank the Province of B.C. and Minister Mike Farnworth for this fantastic support. We are definitely partners in saving the lives of thousands of people every year.”
The purpose of provincial funding is to cover search and rescue readiness to respond to every call for help (equipment and training). Funding in the amount of $5,961,000 was received and, of that, $4,918,750 was issued to GSAR groups directly. The remainder is used to fund the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), which represents the 3,000+ ground search and rescue members in B.C., in its daily operations that also include prevention and critical incident stress management programs.
Provincial funding covers approximately 50 per cent of the cost for search and rescue activities and, as such, GSAR teams must also fundraise to cover the other 50 per cent through their local communities and regional districts, and through public donations. If you wish to support these volunteers or a specific team in your local area, please feel free to contact the association.
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