A new command centre for Foothills Search and Rescue is a little closer to reality thanks to 45 local women.
Foothills Search and Rescue (FSAR) has been fundraising for two years to build a new command centre unit for its operations. Currently, the organization is using an old RV unit that was once used by the military for recruiting.
“It’s on its last legs and you can’t get parts for it anymore,” said Dave Culbert, vice-president and communications for FSAR. “We’re really cautious about where we take it – it doesn’t go to parades anymore or things like that because if we need it for a search it’s got to be up and running.”
There have been times the command centre gets out to a search and then can’t make the trek home, he said. FSAR is concerned there may come a day it won’t be able to get its mobile command out on the road.
The unit contains all of the offices, plans, maps and is the communications centre when they are running a search and rescue operation, he said.
A new command centre will be built by Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB) for about $370,000, he said. FSAR has raised around $195,000 and has a matching grant for about $75,000 from the government, he said.
FSAR was the recipient of the most recent donation from 100 Women Who Care, a fundraising organization that comes together every three months to choose a charity for donation. At the end of the meeting, the winning charity receives $100 from each woman in the group.
The total from the August meeting was $4,500, which Culbert said will all be put towards the command centre.
“Our fundraiser has exhausted all his resources,” said Culbert. “We’ve got the odd golf tournament, the Rotary held a fundraising dinner for us with Mantracker, but it’s tough. It’s a difficult job, fundraising, especially when everyone’s working a full-time job, too.”
The command centre is expected to be on order in November and should take about six months to build, he said.
Jenny Jones, of High River, nominated FSAR at the last 100 Women Who Care meeting. She said she’s always looking for ways to help out in the community and ways to support charities personally, through her business, or as a member of the Foothills Kinette Club.
“I found what they’re trying to raise money for is very important,” said Jones. “When I took it to the group I think everybody else felt the same way. A lot of people don’t know they exist or they’re out there, and anything I can help them with, I would.”
Karen Love, founder of 100 Women Who Care Foothills, admitted she was one of the people who had never heard of FSAR before the meeting. It’s part of what she enjoys about 100 Women.
“It’s an opportunity to get to know some of these charities,” said Love.
So far, the organization has raised $27,700 since its first meeting two years ago. Over the past four meetings, the number of women has leveled out around 45 to 47, she said.
Her goal is to see more women come out and break the 50 mark.
“There’s something about that 50,” said Love. “And $5,000 sounds better than $4,800 even.”
Other nominees at the August meeting were the Rainbows program through McMann Family Services Agency and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, she said.
For the first time since 100 Women started, the three charities were within just one deciding vote. It was exciting to watch, she said.
“The best part is no matter who wins the vote it’s all going to those local Foothills charities,” said Love. “That’s the most important thing, I think, is knowing your money is staying in your local area, which is huge.”
The next 100 Women Who Care meeting is schedule for Nov. 2 at Crystal Ridge Golf Club at 7 p.m. All Foothills-area women are welcome to attend.
