Minister presents $50,000 to Search and Rescue Association

Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today presented $50,000 to The Newfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association (NLSAR), a volunteer organization sponsored by the Department of Justice.

The organization, made up of 27 teams with over 800 volunteers, plays a significant role in ground search and rescue operations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2001, the volunteer hours for search and rescue incidents was nearly 25,000.

"The ground search and rescue teams provide a tremendous service to the citizens of the province, one which we could otherwise not afford," said Minister Parsons.

The annual $50,000 grant assists the NLSAR with the purchase of equipment for each of the teams throughout the province.

"The volunteer search and rescue operations in this province are viewed with envy in other parts of the country that do not have similar arrangements with their departments of Justice," said the minister. "In recognition of National Volunteer Week, as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I acknowledge the importance of the incredible work done by all search and rescue providers.

"This is a good time to thank the volunteers across the province who are making a difference," he said.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications (709) 729-6985.

2002 04 26                      12:00 p.m.