Three weeks after Comox Valley Search and Rescue saved his life, Thierry Vrain found an unique way to say thank you.

After being lost and injured while hiking on Strathcona ParkB次元官网网址檚 Mount Becher in August, Vrain wanted to help others learn from his mistakes and give back to those who helped. The result was a Sept. 5 fundraiser that raised just over $30,000 for the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue team.

B次元官网网址淭his really speaks to the power of community and how important Search and Rescue is in the Comox Valley,B次元官网网址� co-organizer Chanchal Cabrera said. B次元官网网址淭hese people are unsung heroes, volunteers who risk their own safety to help others, and they are clearly appreciated by many.B次元官网网址�

Held at Innisfree Farm & Botanic Garden with more than 170 people in attendance, the fundraiser featured a presentation by Paul Berry of Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue (CVSAR), Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells as master of ceremonies, and short speeches by Vrain and his wife about their experiences.

Attendees had a chance to meet members of the Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue team.

B次元官网网址淕round SAR specialists are in every respect first responders in their own right. We go where others donB次元官网网址檛 or canB次元官网网址檛, providing professional care to those we serve,B次元官网网址� said Berry.

The goal for the fundraiser was $5,000, and Vrain originally planned to match the funds raised with his own donation.

But over the following week, donations far surpassed expectations. Vrain ended up doubling his donations to $10,000, bringing the final fundraised total to just over $30,000.

B次元官网网址淭hese people saved my life and maybe one day they will save yours,B次元官网网址� said Vrain. B次元官网网址淩aising funds for them, raising awareness of their work, seems like the least we could do to say thank you.B次元官网网址�

- Zhyfhs Millicent

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