Re: Clarification of comments concerning the Shuswap Volunteer Search and Rescue Society Dec. 9, 2011 edition of the Shuswap Market News
This letter is intended to clarify comments in the Dec. 9, 2011 Shuswap Market News regarding the Shuswp Volunteer Search and Rescue Society (SVSARS) which has for a number of years received grants from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
The CSRD recognizes that the society provides a valuable service. That was why the board last year granted the society assistance in the amount of $80,000 which was used towards the lease of the SAR hall and annual operating expenses, in accordance with the society’s original request. The CSRD is satisfied that the society is fully “accountable” for the use of those funds that it received from the CSRD.
The board expects the society to apply again for a grant for 2012 which will set out the society’s financial plans for the year and any such request will be evaluated with a recognition of the importance of the search and rescue services that are provided, but be based also on the always difficult allocation of scarce public resources.
Charles A. Hamilton
Chief Administrative Officer