BC Hydro is providing over $5,000 in grants to East Kootenay emergency services groups to support the purchase new safety equipment this year.

The funds are being provided through BC Hydro’s Community Grant program, which helps organizations that are committed to making a difference in their communities, with projects focused on building the workforce of tomorrow, safety education, and developing smart energy ideas.

BC Hydro offers both Grassroots Grants that provide up to $2,000 for local programs, and Broad Impact Grants that provide funding up to $10,000 for organizations that wish to expand or develop a program in multiple communities.

This year three East Kootenay emergency services groups received community grants, including:

• East Kootenay Regional Search and Rescue Society received $3,000 to purchase a high angle redirect system to carry out rescues in fast-flowing creeks and rivers within canyons and steep terrain.
• Cranbrook Search and Rescue Society received $2,000 to replace helmets and fall arrest harnesses that were soon to expire.
• Wasa Volunteer Fire Prevention and Suppression Group received $750 to purchase firefighting equipment that will help to prevent a wildfire from spreading in the community.

The next open call for community grants begins on Feb. 1, 2021. For more information.

Lead image: Cranbrook Search and Rescue volunteers carry out training with new helmets and safety harnesses purchased in August with a community grant from BC Hydro. BC Hydro photo

BC Hydro

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