Heading into the holiday season, the Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) and BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) have each received $250,000 in gaming grants to support their operations and public safety efforts.
However, the gift they really want this year can only come from you — getting the right gear, training and information before going into the backcountry.
The CAC produces daily avalanche forecasts for most of the mountainous regions in western Canada, outside national parks — close to 250,000 square kilometres.
The BCSARA supports more than 2,500 search-and-rescue volunteers in more than 80 communities. Both groups support backcountry safety public education efforts in order reduce deaths and injuries.
This gaming grant funding is part of $4.1 million for search and rescue, firefighting and other emergency-related organizations confirmed so far and detailed in the backgrounder that follows.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton encourages everyone to educate themselves.
“The Canadian Avalanche Centre and BC Search and Rescue Association, along with their membership, do tremendous work educating people about safe practices when heading into the winter backcountry — work that saves lives. We encourage everyone to listen to these experts: get the gear, get the training, check the forecasts and leave a plan,” Anton said.