Community fundraising initiatives are essential to secure financial support for community-based SAR efforts. Communities are generous and provide significant funding and support to community SAR organizations. In communities with high rates of SAR operations, however, funds raised through bingos and community dinners can be insufficient to cover costs. It is difficult for community SAR organizations to identify different funding opportunities, let along apply for them.
Suggestions and Solutions
- The community SAR groups in the Kitikmeot have had some success in securing support from private industry and corporations. Cambridge Bay has used the North Warning System helicopter on several occasions. Sabina donated refurbished laptops to the SAR Committees in Kugluktuk, Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak, and Kugaaruk. Private industry can be a source of aerial support during community searches and can donate funds and equipment to community SAR organizations. It can be difficult, however, to form the relationships required to facilitate this kind of resource sharing. Moving forward, community-based SAR groups should work to establish closer relationships with private industry to secure additional donations.
- Cruise companies/tour operators should consider donating rescue equipment to the community groups whose assistance they might require at some point.
- Explore new sources of federal and territorial funding.
- Look for new innovative fundraising partnerships (e.g.) In Cambridge Bay, the Northern Store gets a quarter for every bag that is used by a customer. Each year, the store takes the proceeds from this and donatsd it to a community group. In early 2020, the annual donation went to Cambridge Bay Search and Rescue, amounting to $8543.72.
Kitikmeot SAR 