November 15, 2022 – Campbell River, British Columbia – Western Forest Products Inc. (“Western”) today presented $10,000 to the Campbell River Search and Rescue Society (“CRSAR”) in response to their appeal to raise funds for their hall expansion renovation.
The renovation project includes adding a vehicle bay to help store additional response equipment that is currently stored outside. CRSAR provides an important life-saving service to those who are lost or injured in the wilderness of northern Vancouver Island. Their team of dedicated volunteers are responsible for all land and inland waterway search and rescue for one of the largest response areas in British Columbia, from Oyster River to Nootka Island, north to Port Hardy and sections of the mainland coast. Western’s tenure spans much of CRSAR’s response area; as such, it provides access to and maintains many of the trails and recreation sites throughout the vast woodland in the region.
“A big thank you to Western Forest Products for their commitment to and investment in the Campbell River area and those that work and adventure in our backyard,” said Tonya Crawford, President, Campbell River Search and Rescue Society. “Synergy and alignment in values with respect to the supernatural terrain of British Columbia and of Vancouver Island have created a budding partnership with Western.”
Western and CRSAR have been linked for decades by way of employee volunteering. Jeff Ternan, Regional Operations Manager, and Chris Clements, IT Business Partner, are two members of their dedicated team. Chris has been volunteering with CRSAR for nearly 14 years. “I am proud to work for an organization that supports local community organizations like CRSAR,” said Chris. “Our members commit a considerable amount of effort in support of SAR activities and the generosity of Western helps offset the time required to spend on fundraising, so we can stay focused on improving core search and rescue skills.”
“In 2022, Western’s support and corporate partnership consisted of a considerable donation of $10,000 towards the CRSAR Hall Expansion Project,” Tonya continued. “This project will go a long way to ensure that CRSAR will continue to keep up with increasing call volume in the coming decades, as well as help serve as a hub for regional emergency response and coordination in the event of a natural disaster!”
CRSAR is a not-for-profit society that relies on grants and donations to cover operating costs like the hall expansion and ongoing technical training of their volunteers. To support their fundraising efforts, visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/25211 or contact tonya.crawford@crsar.ca.
Western’s contribution is an extension of its long-term commitment of investing in the areas where its employees live and work. Through Western’s Community Enhancement Fund, the company provides support to community organizations, events, and initiatives. Western takes pride in its commitment to sustainable and stable communities in the areas in which it operates, including through community contributions, the purchase of local goods and services, local employment, and taxes.
About Western Forest Products Inc.
Western is an integrated forest products company building a margin-focused log and lumber business to compete successfully in global softwood markets. With operations and employees located primarily on the coast of B.C. and Washington State, Western is a premier supplier of high-value, specialty forest products to worldwide markets. The Company sources timber from its private lands, long-term licenses, First Nations arrangements, and market purchases. Western takes pride in its commitment to sustainable communities in the areas in which it operates, including through community contributions, the purchase of local goods and services, local employment, and taxes.
For further information, please contact:
Babita Khunkhun
Senior Director, Communications
604-648-4562
PHOTO: (L-R)
Chris Clements, IT Business Partner, Western Forest Products; CRSAR Volunteer
Amber Gargus, CRSAR Volunteer
Sheila Fairbank, CRSAR Volunteer
Tonya Crawford, President, Campbell River Search and Rescue
Jesse Katz-Totton, CRSAR Volunteer
Angela Janicki, CRSAR Volunteer
Nancy Dwyer, CRSAR Volunteer
Tim Strange, CRSAR Volunteer
Laura Greenfield, CRSAR Volunteer
Jeff Ternan, Regional Operations Manager, Western Forest Products; CRSAR Volunteer
Raven and Pickle, CRSAR Volunteer Search Dogs
