Thanks to Nanoose Bay’s VI Equipment Ltd, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) can expect to see a steady stream of donations for the coming years.
According to a release by ASAR, the company pledged to donate $10,000 to their organization over the next five years.
“We are delighted to support ASAR as we recognize the critical contribution they make to our community. We want to assist them with funds that they can put towards their new operations centre,” said a spokesperson for VI Equipment.
The Parksville-Qualicum Community Foundation Grant also made a generous donation of $4,000 to help fund the ASAR’s 2021 training programs.
ASAR is currently building a new, centrally located operations centre at the Qualicum Beach airport, and is now in the final months of construction.
To date they have raised $800,000 (plus a $90,000 in kind donation from the Town of Qualicum Beach) and is fundraising $500,000 from the community.
ASAR’s original plan (and budget) was to complete the new operations centre in two separate phases. However, last year the organization made the decision to accelerate the building’s original timeline and complete construction in a single phase to reduce its overall operating costs and allow for a faster move-in date.
Additionally, to ensure the centre survives a natural disaster, the decision was made to upgrade the new building and reinforce the structure. In making this multi-year pledge, VI Equipment hopes that other local businesses are encouraged to also make similar donations. ASAR is grateful for their commitment, and for all the support its received from the Parksville Qualicum Beach community.
For those interested in making donations to the organization, further information can be found at www.arrowsmithsar.ca.
– NEWS Staff, submitted