Search and rescue groups could get more funding

KELOWNA – Search and rescue volunteer organizations are a step closer to receiving more funding from the province.

A funding model that has been in development for two years is being sent out to other search and rescue groups in the province for input before it gets forwarded to the government.

Director Jim McAllister of the B.C. Search and Rescue Association was responsible for the development of the plan which, if approved, will increase funding and reduce administrative and fundraising burdens for the 80 groups and their 2,500 members. 

Organizations have had problems applying for grants and fundraising to help cover costs. New technology and new training have increased costs in recent years as well. The new support model has specific measures addressing annual funding increases and a contingency fund for spikes in call volumes and large responses requiring additional resources.  

The proposed support model also includes funding for the AdventureSmart program, which provides presentations on outdoor safety and trail signs in several languages. AdventureSmart, which was developed in B.C., is now a national program. 

For more information on the support model see the B.C. Search and Rescue Association website.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.