A fundraising push to replace Coquitlam Search and Rescue's 20-year-old mobile command centre is now just $30,000 shy of its goal.
On Thursday, the local SAR announced the Canadian Tire stores in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam will chip in $25,000 for the new vehicle, which is estimated will cost more than $400,000.
The company owners will be formally thanked by the SAR team on Feb. 19 at the Coquitlam store.
"As a supplier of outdoor recreation equipment, we encourage our customers to enjoy the outdoors safely," Coquitlam store owner Paul Droulis said in a news release, noting Canadian Tire has also offered space in each parking lot for SAR outreach projects.
SAR manager Michael Coyle told The Tri-City News the 50-member team is surprised by the level of community support since it launched its campaign. "Small donations here and there really add up," he said Thursday.
The biggest contribution was a $195,000 gaming grant from the provincial government, of which $150,000 will be invested for the new rescue truck (the balance will be spent on training programs as well as replacement of communications and rescue gear).
The team has also received $95,000 from the city of Coquitlam (including $30,000 from casino revenues to the municipality), $10,000 from Chevron Canada, $5,000 from BC Hydro and $10,000 from Telus.
As for the remaining $30,000, "there are a few more grants that we are applying for," Coyle said, adding he hopes the new vehicle will be delivered this fall while the custom-built box is expected to come from a Langley business early in 2016.
Coyle said the existing command truck is not only out of date but is also at its weight capacity.
Coquitlam SAR responds to about 35 calls a year - 80% of them within the Tri-Cities.
For more information and to donate, visit www.coquitlam-sar.bc.ca/initiatives/command-vehicle/.
@jwarrenTC
