The Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue is looking for a new home in the new year.
They’ve been on the hunt for a while, but with rent increases expected in January, and limited income from the province to cover costs, the need is becoming urgent.
Paul Berry with the organization says each search and rescue in BC gets the same amount of funding from the province, $100,000. The Comox Valley team is the busiest on the Island, and the provincial grant is barely enough anymore to cover basic costs. They also receive some financial help from the Comox Valley Regional District, but it’s not nearly enough to help purchase a plot of land and build a new facility.
They have fundraised around a million dollars thanks to public donations, but expect a new location will cost at least two, given the costs of real estate in the valley.
To help with their ongoing fundraising campaign, visit the CVGSAR’s website.
