Squamish Search and Rescue is one busy unit, says member James Morris, and it's only going to get busier.
"We're trending up," he said. "Province-wide we are right up there."
Last year by mid-August, the team had been called out to 16 recues at the Stawamus Chief alone. Overall, in 2011 the team responded to 48 calls and is comprised of some of 小蓝视频's high angle rope rescue specialists, having to deal with climbing and base-jumping incidents in our backyard.
The founder of the Squamish-based digital marketing agency VentureWeb also knows the cost of being ready to act at a moments notice. Until recently, he was the rescue unit's secretary.
Although the operations are covered by the province, the search and rescue unit pays for training expenses, which can take place all across 小蓝视频 Members also have to stock their own ready-packs.
"It is a bunch of money. A head torch alone costs $100," Morris said, noting volunteers have to be equipped with everything from a good pair of hiking boots, to a saw and glow sticks.
With those figures in mind, Morris decided to bring one of America's longest-running film festivals to town next Thursday (March 8). Stopping for its premier in Squamish, Telluride's Moutainfilm festival will be hosted by VentureWeb as a fundraiser for SSAR.
"[The film festival] used to come up sporadically to Whistler," Morris said. "I convinced them that they should do one in Squamish."
Unlike many film festival, Mountainfilm incorporates a wide array of sports and adventure flicks, Morris said. From a trial bike rider returning to his hometown in Scotland to a kayaker exploring some of Africa's wildest rivers, this show has a bit of everything for all adventurous tastes, he said.
"The films are diverse and a great fit for the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," Morris said.
Mountain Life Magazine editor Feet Banks will be the evening's MC and the event will take place at the Eagle Eye Theatre. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the films screening at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased at Valhalla Pure and Escape Route in Squamish. For more information visit www.ventureweb.net.
