We often see them in the news, and seldom is it a good thing.
North Shore Rescue is a volunteer community-based search and rescue team. Its members are from all walks of life but share a common interest in providing an important life-saving service to the public, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Over the past few years, North Shore Rescue has been drawn to the call more and more. Last summer, North Shore Rescue Team Leader Mike Danks approached me about obtaining some additional funds for equipment they badly needed to replace their HETS (long line) with new equipment which provides among other things new and better safety technology.
It wasn’t a small ask, with the cost coming in over $188,000, but there was no hesitation to support this request. One thing I asked from Mike was some statistics on the increase in calls North Shore Rescue has received over the years. The numbers were shocking. August of 2015 alone saw a tripling of calls from the same month the year before. In my eyes, the case was an easy one to argue. The equipment would save lives.
I’m proud to say that we were able to secure an extra $188,000 for NSR for this vital equipment. This is on top of the yearly $100,000 government provides them with Community Gaming Grant funds and the $100,000 they received as a portion of the $10 million given to the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) to bolster training, administrative support and equipment renewals for these critical public safety volunteers.
Many people are alive today because of North Shore Rescue and the experienced, dedicated team of volunteers who serve under the capable leadership of Mike Danks. This funding will ensure that team members receive necessary training and equipment upgrades so they can continue helping those in need get home safely.
My commitment to North Shore Rescue has a personal note. Before my dad died in 2001, he was an avid North Shore hiker and took groups of West Vancouver seniors on many trips across the North Shore.
My dad was a huge supporter of North Shore Rescue so in his memory, my family asked those to support this important volunteer organization. I thank North Shore Rescue for their dedication and commitment to the North Shore and also remember our friend Tim Jones, in his tireless advocacy, by supporting the many legacy events his family and volunteers put on throughout the year.
North Shore Rescue has a handy section on their website that provides an abundance of information on what to take, how to be prepared and how to react in a dangerous situation. I encourage everyone considering heading out for a hike, no matter the duration, to be prepared: northshorerescue.com/education/.
