‘The need is real’: KSAR kicks off fundraising campaign for new headquarters

“The need is real. The hall that we’re in, it’s on Mission Flats, is dilapidated,” Milovick said. “When we get deployed, often times we have to move quickly. When we’re shuffling vehicles around…. it takes precious time away from where we need to be. We don’t have proper places to dry ropes or wet suits.”

“We are effective, and we can be more effective.”

While KSAR has committed to raising at least $1.4 million towards its new headquarters, its fundraising campaign has a total goal of $2.5 million. Following the trio of donations, a $160,000 gift from the Middleton family and other fundraising efforts, that total is now roughly $200,000.

“We hope to keep [the campaign] going until we raise the $2.5 million but, probably, we’re looking at an 18-month timeline,” KSAR president Paula Davies said. “The community seems to be really supportive and we’re happy to see the outpouring of support that we got tonight.”

(Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today)

Davies noted other fundraising events are on the horizon, including the Fill the Gear Locker fundraiser. Each week, over the course of five weeks, KSAR opens a new locker for donations to raise funds for specific pieces of equipment. Items include rope rescue gear, dry suits, wiggy bags and a snowmobile.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) obtained electoral approval to borrow up to $6.3 million over 20 years. The City of Kamloops is also contributing $2.4 million to cover the costs of building a new fire station to serve the Rayleigh area.

Construction on the new facility could begin as early as next year.

More to come

by Aaron Schulze & Victor Kaisar

‘The need is real’: KSAR kicks off fundraising campaign for new headquarters

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