The funds donated by CMH Heli-Skiing will be used to purchase long line rescue equipment
Golden and District Search and Rescue (GADSAR) recently received a $5,000 donation through CMH Heli-Skiing’s (CMH) Corporate Giving Program to fund the purchase of new helicopter long line rescue equipment.
The specialized equipment is used in Class ‘D’ Fixed Line (CDFL) helicopter rescues, where a long line is suspended below a helicopter to insert or evacuate search and rescue personal or subjects from an area that is otherwise inaccessible. The long line will be stored and used by nearby CMH operations, resulting in a better standard of care for the region GADSAR services, and the CMH destinations in proximity.
“We’re pleased to give back to GADSAR, continuing our longwithstanding partnership with such a well-respected volunteer group in the Golden area that offers an invaluable service to not only our business, but most importantly to the local community here in Golden,” said Peter Macpherson, CMH Manager of Guiding Operations.
GADSAR operates near CMH Bugaboos which is located 50 kilometres from the town of Brisco, BC, and CMH Bobbie Burns, which is located 50 kilometres from the town of Parson, BC. Additionally, GADSAR operates in the same area as CMH Purcell, formerly known as Purcell Heli-Skiing operated by Rudi Gertsch, which offers day heli-skiing out of Golden, BC. Working in propinquity, CMH and GADSAR hold yearly joint CDFL training sessions, with GADSAR having responded to CDFL requests from CMH three times over the past decade.
“Having our lodges near many mountain communities in southeastern British Columbia and Alberta’s Bow Valley, these locations aren’t only the places we work, but also the places we live and play,” said Macpherson. “Whether by financial support, emergency response or alternative means, we do everything we can to directly support the residents and vital initiatives of present in the communities surrounding our operations.”
This funding marks CMH’s Corporate Giving Program’s first donation to GADSAR. Established in 2022 as an undertaking of CMH’s in-house Philanthropy Committee, the program focuses on supporting individuals, groups, and organizations consistent with CMH’s vision of guiding others through life-changing mountain experiences. The priorities of this program include encouraging avalanche awareness and safety, supporting medical facilities and emergency response capabilities in or close to operating areas, and encouraging life-changing experiences for youth in the mountains, with a focus on creating opportunities for Indigenous and underserved youth.
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