On November 4, 2014 four members of the Oliver/Osoyoos Search & Rescue organization came to a meeting of the Oliver Kiwanis Club. They discussed their move to the new digs and fielded questions from the Kiwanians in attendance.

Tanya noted that the group is all volunteers and only received funding assistance for searches and some training programs. They can be called out to assist other SAR units outside the local area. While the RCMP are the onscene controllers, it is the SAR technicians who carry out the searches. They have the ability to call in support for expertise they do not possess. This could include Armed Forces SAR personnel and equipment alerted through the Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Victoria, but usually they rely on their own personnel or others from nearby SAR units.

Veronique, Tanya, Kyle and Bruce received a cheque from President Lee for $2,000.00. While the organization receives funding from a number of agencies, there is always a shortfall for items not within their budget. That’s where organisations like the Kiwanis Club can help to fill the void.

Kiwanis is always looking within the local area for groups and organizations who might need some financial assistance. President Lee Chic (front right) and her Board of Directors field numerous request for funding, while they can’t fill every request, the Club will help where they can.