Arrowsmith Search and Rescue has put aside their own financial needs to help charities and organizations supporting victims of widespread flooding that hit the province this week.
ASAR has abandoned holiday fundraising efforts, set to start in December. It was their way to generate funds to help pay off their new operations centre at the Qualicum Beach Airport.
ASAR president Ken Peters said helping flood victims is more important at this time.
“Given the situation of what’s happening right now in the province, their needs are more urgent,” said Peters. “The situation is pretty dire right now for a lot of people in the province. So at this time we decided to postpone our fundraising and focus on helping others out there. We will still be doing it but it will be after Christmas.”
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Peters said they’ve received a $20,000 contribution from a generous supporter for the purpose of donation matching. He said they’ve done this in the past and were very successful.
“We did it the last time and raised $40,000,” said Peters. “I am sure we can do it again this year.”
The ASAR moved in to their new operations centre last November. The facility cost $1.4 million to build. They are still attempting to raise more than $400,000 to cover the entire cost. Peters believes they will be able to pay it off once they start fundraising again in the new year.
For now, Peters is encouraging those who were planning to donate to the ASAR this holiday season to give to charities and fundraising campaigns that are currently helping to support victims of the flooding. More information is also available via Emergency Management BC.