Responding to more than 30 incidents annually across Cochrane and its surrounding regions, the Cochrane Search and Rescue (CSAR) fleet is a vital community resource, one that’s beginning to show its age.
“CSAR works closely with key partners such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, local fire services, and municipal agencies,” said Yolanda Martens van Hilst, vice president of the CSAR board. “Our service area spans a large region including MD of Bighorn, Rocky View County, and the communities of Cochrane, Kananaskis, Bragg Creek, Waiparous, the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, Canmore, and Banff.”
With the constant use of the vehicles comes the natural wear and tear and this year, one of the four units, is getting ready to retire.
“This year, our organization identified a need to replace one vehicle from our fleet,” Martens van Hilst stated. “We anticipate that as we are getting more maintenance cost on it, we need to replace it in the next year.”
Unit 2 is a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe, the oldest in the fleet, racking up north of 380,000 kilometres.
“It is our main unit that supports our search manager vehicle as well as pulls our command centre.“ Martens van Hilst described. “She was a vehicle that was donated to us and is the oldest one we have in our fleet.”
Identifying the significant cost associated with a vehicle replacement, the fundraising committee at CSAR has made this initiative the primary objective of their efforts this fiscal year.
“We are fundraising from April 1 to March 31 the following year,” Martens van Hilst noted. “We would like to purchase a new vehicle early next year.”
Since starting the fundraising, CSAR has received significant contributions including a $1,350 donation from a campaign by House of Cars, and a whopping $50,000 gifted by Cochrane Victim Services.
“We are so appreciative of any support we receive,” Martens van Hilst said. “We want to make sure that we use those dollars for an objective that is valuable for both us and the community.”
CSAR’s fundraising push continues this fall, with upcoming events including the FMX & Auto Show hosted in collaboration with House of Cars on September 1, and the Rodeo Cabaret with the Cochrane Lions during Labour Day weekend.
Those who wish to support the initiative can donate directly through CanadaHelps.org.
