Arrowsmith Search and Rescue (ASAR) is relieved to get some financial assistance from the Regional District of Nanaimo, to help pay off the mortgage for their new operating facility near the Qualicum Beach Airport.
The ASAR gave the RDN board, at its regular meeting on Nov. 14, an overview of the job they do, as well as the training they need to conduct to improve their skills and fundraising they need to pay off the costs of their operations.
The non-profit organization received encouraging news. when the RDN board unanimously endorsed a notice of motion presented by Qualicum Beach director Teunis Westbroek, requesting the board direct staff to come up with a report that reflects the cost implications of providing $70.000 grant annually for three years to help pay ASAR’s mortgage, approximately $180,000.
Westbroek requested the funding be apportioned by population for the participants of the Northern Community Search and Rescue Contribution Service.
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“The support from RDN is greatly appreciated,” said ASAR manager Ken Neden. “Currently we pay about $900 per month in interest on our mortgage. When we are able to pay that off this would free up that money to go towards training or equipment. We are always looking for new methods and equipment to help us serve the area at an even higher level.”
The ASAR, which consists solely of volunteers, built the new operations centre on land donated by the Town of Qualicum Beach. It was opened in 2022.
Neden stressed how grateful the ASAR is for the assistance they will receive from the RDN.
“We do need the continued support of the community to maintain and improve our ability to respond to tasks,” said Neden. “We look forward to working with the RDN as their staff work on the details of today’s motion asking them to look at the cost implications of assisting us with our mortgage payments over the next three years.”
For anyone wishing to donate to the ASAR, you can go to their website at https://www.arrowsmithsar.ca/
