BVSAR would like to thank the Rotary Club of Smithers for their generous donation of $17,000. The Rotary Club raised the money as part of their 2021 Annual Auction held online last November. We would also like to thank the local businesses and community members who supported this event.
The Rotary Club of Smithers was established in 1952. It is part of Rotary International, a long-standing global network of community members and change-makers who work to make a lasting difference within their communities and around the world.
The Rotary Club of Smithers supports projects as diverse as Polio Plus, an international program to eradicate polio, to local community initiatives such as the food bank, the Cycle 16 bike trail, community beautification projects, and education scholarships. Their fundraising initiatives are as diverse. You may recognize the Rotary Club Kindness Meters installed at the grocery stores in town or may have enjoyed a burger at their food booth at the annual Fall Fair. However, the Annual Auction is their biggest fundraiser. The $17,000 raised in the Rotary Club Annual Auction last November was the largest amount of funds raised since the first Annual Auction in 1962.
In 2021, BVSAR was chosen to be the recipient of the proceeds from the Annual Auction by the Rotary Club Auction Committee. We were pleased to receive this funding which will be used toward completing the building that will be the base for BVSAR training and operations and the purchase of much needed equipment.
Lauren Williams, President of the Rotary Club of Smithers, told us that community support for the auction was especially notable given that the auction was held during the second year of covid. She pointed out that all the items up for auction were completely donated by local area businesses. “Even though many businesses and individuals experienced hardship during covid, the whole community came together to support us. They know how important this event is. We want to thank them for their generosity in this difficult time.”
BVSAR is committed to serving the communities of the Bulkley Valley to help ensure public safety in the backcountry. We are 100% volunteer operated and we’re on call 24/7. Team members receive specialized training and volunteer their time to maintain the skills learned. Our services are always free when we’re called out on a search. We appreciate the support we receive from the communities we serve.
The Rotary Club of Smithers is proud of their involvement and support in their community. For more information on their projects, check them out on Facebook.
