Image: Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser / From left to right, Jason Suttie (Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser), RCCF president Gerry Enns, Josef Sewerd of Chilliwack SAR, Jeremy Plesman of CSAR and Erin Miinter-Unruh of CSAR. Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser generously donated $55,000 to Chilliwack SAR to support vital life-saving programs.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Donation

Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser strengthens life-saving training with 5-figure donation to Chilliwack SAR

Mar 5, 2025 | 1:15 PM

CHILLIWACK — Bolstered by deep roots in the community dating back several decades in Chilliwack, the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser recently presented Chilliwack Search and Rescue with a generous five-figure donation to support vital training programs.

In a news release, the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser says it proudly donated $55,000 to Chilliwack SAR to strengthen its training activities among the volunteer-led organization.

Rotary’s commitment to CSAR dates back over 35 years, starting with the legendary Krafty Raft Race at Cultus Lake. Funds from that fun-filled event once helped purchase a new Zodiac, ensuring safer and more efficient water rescues. Even now in 2025, the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser has maintained its commitment to equip these dedicated volunteers with the resources they need to save lives.

“Support for Search and Rescue is a long-time tradition of our Club,” said Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser President Gerry Enns. “Our members continue to step up, and I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication to helping those who help others.”

To mark the occasion, Rotary members took their meeting on Wednesday, February 26 on the road, visiting CSAR’s newly completed facility for an exclusive tour and operations update. CSAR volunteers, who tirelessly train to ensure they are ready for any life-saving emergency, demonstrated how this funding will directly enhance their lifesaving efforts.

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“Training is the backbone of our success,” said Jeremy Plesman, CSAR manager. “Every hour our team spends preparing can mean the difference between life and death. This generous donation from Rotary will help ensure our volunteers’ time is spent training and not fundraising so they are ready when called upon.”

The donation was made possible by the Club’s annual Travel Lotto Fundraiser, which sells out every November, offering 12 incredible trips to lucky ticket holders.

“Without our community’s continued support of the Travel Lotto, contributions like this wouldn’t be possible,” said Enns. “Every ticket sold strengthens our ability to give back and support many different projects in our local community.”

For those looking to make an impact, join the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser at chilliwackfraser.ca. To support Chilliwack Search and Rescue, visit chilliwacksar.org.