SQUAMISH SEARCH AND RESCUE WINS 2023 “DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS”
Squamish named winner in the Search, Rescue and Emergency Support Category
Squamish, BC. – November 11, 2023- Squamish SAR has won the Search, Rescue and Emergency Services category of the Defender Service Awards. Two Squamish SAR members flew to Sommerville, Texas for the awards Gala on Saturday night. Texas SAR was the other finalist at the gala in the Search and Rescue category.
“We did it Squamish! To everyone who voted for us from Squamish, Sea to Sky, and beyond along with the Search and Rescue communities across the country, we are overwhelmed with gratitude. It was truly a team effort,” says Christy Allan, communications director for Squamish Search and Rescue.
Awarded by popular vote, the team will bring home a brand new customized Land Rover Defender 130 in addition to a $25,000 USD donation and many in-kind Pelican products valued at over $8,000 USD.
“We want to recognize the other finalists in our category. Texas SAR, Taos, Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group, and Resources in Search and Rescue. We have the utmost respect for all that they do,” says Allan.
Next up for Squamish Search and Rescue is Mountainfilm on Tour in Squamish on Saturday, November 18. It is presented by local company VentureWeb and all proceeds from the event and the online silent auction will go to Squamish Search and Rescue. “It will be a great chance to celebrate our incredible community,” adds Allan. Tickets are available online, at Valhalla Pure and Urban Alpine.
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Media Contact:
Christy Allan, Director of Communications
Squamish Search and Rescue
Christy.allan@squamishsar.org
604 848-5549
www.squamishsar.org
About Squamish Search and Rescue
Squamish Search and Rescue (SSAR) is a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit organization that provides ground and inland water search and rescue services, wilderness public safety, and emergency services on the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw) in Squamish British Columbia, Canada.
With over 6,400 task hours per year, our 80 member team is one of the busiest in Canada. Our response area covers vast and immense terrain, from swift white water rivers, high alpine peaks and glaciers, to massive rock faces and extensive mountain bike and hiking trails. Necessitating a wide array of rescue response types. Our response zone encompasses some of the most heavily trafficked recreation areas in BC.
We promote the importance of trip planning and outdoor safety with emphasis on public education and outreach. We strive to mitigate the severity of the accidents that do happen through a combination of equipment, training and expertise in high alpine, avalanche, rope, helicopter long-line and swift water rescue disciplines.
Our goal is to save lives by fostering excellence and proficiency in volunteer search and rescue through readiness, training in multi-modal rescue techniques.
About the Defender Service Awards Presented by Chase
To learn more about the 2023 Defender Service Awards, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/index.html