Danny Osborne of Windermere, initiator of the fundraising effort to supply a vehicle that will serve the ice-rescue needs for communities ranging from Canal Flats to Edgewater, presents a $5,000 cheque to Jim Miller, Fairmont-Windermere Fire Chief, on behalf of an anonymous donor.

Currently, the only approved means of access to an ice-related emergency is on foot. Windermere Fire and Rescue is the designated first-responder for Lake Windermere. The hovercraft will be deployed to all surrounding communities in the event of health-related emergencies, motor vehicle/ATV accidents such as head-on collisions, vehicles or persons falling through the ice and lost persons. In addition, the hovercraft has year-round capability and is extremely environmentally-friendly, making it highly suitable for open-water and land-based rescues in all local wetlands.

This generous donation was made by a Calgary-based family who own a seasonal home near Lake Windermere. They wish to remain anonymous and are passionate about the need for this life-saving solution.

Mr. Osborne is committed to raising the $55,000 needed to supply the community with this solution. His family was personally touched by near-tragedy on Lake Windermere on Boxing Day, 2011 where a successful rescue was performed, on-foot, in hazardous, inclement conditions by Windermere Fire and Rescue.

The project has the support of local EMS, RCMP, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and numerous community associations and various levels of local government.

Donations can be made by contacting Mr. Osborne at 250-341-5038 or by e-mail: [email protected]

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