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THE BULLETIN PROUDLY SERVING KIMBERLEY AND AREA SINCE 1932 | Vol. 83, Issue 106 | www.dailybulletin.ca
Five kayakers rescued from Kootenay River
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Rivers rise after rains BULLETIN STAFF
Five people in three kayaks were rescued after they overturned in the Kootenay River near Skookumchuck on Saturday afternoon. Search and Rescue Teams were activated by the Emergency Coordination Center after receiving a report of persons needing assistance. Kimberley RCMP, Police Dog Service and BC Ambulance were also involved in the call out. The call for assistance was received Saturday, May 30 at 2:30 p.m. after the kayaks overturned in the swift water. Two persons were able to safely get to shore and call for help. Two others managed to make it to shore downstream and one was missing. Nine SAR members from Kimberley and Cranbrook were involved. With the variable conditions of the river two SAR members conducted an assessment with a helicopter. Two subjects were spotted and safely removed. The third subject was spotted and after transporting the other subjects to a waiting ambulance they were able to go back and safely pick up the last subject. Two of the subjects had minor injuries. The results could have been tragic for all involved but the risk was significantly greater for one person who was pinned against a log jam by the flowing water for a period of time. Of the five only two were wearing life jackets. “Fortunately this incident ended well thanks to the combined efforts of our Search and Rescue volunteers, Kimberley RCMP, Police Dog team, BC Ambulance and Big Horn Helicopters,” said Cpl. Newel of Kimberley RCMP. “This could have been tragic and people need to recognize the risks and hazards associated to these types of activities.” Police and other emergency agencies would like to remind people that with recent heavy rain the water levels have risen considerably. Rivers can be dangerous — they may appear smooth but there are deceptively turbulent undercurrents below the surface and it is relentless in power.
PHOTO COURTESY CMHA
The Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays held their Volunteer Gala last Friday evening at the St. Eugene Resort. Winning Volunteer Family of the Year were the Korans from Kimberley. Above are Chad, who serves as President and trainer of the Kimberley Dynamiters, coaches baseball and serves as a call rank firefighter with the City of Kimberley; the Bulletin’s own Nicole, whose feet rarely hit the ground during minor hockey season — especially this year as she organized the Bantam Tier 2 Provincial championships in Cranbrook — and son Braiden. Missing from the photo is the Koran’s youngest son Joey. Both boys volunteer at the concession at the arena during minor hockey and Dynamiter games.
CMHA hosts volunteer gala Three of four awards go to Kimberley residents C AROLYN GR ANT Bulletin Edit
Volunteers in Kimberley and Cranbrook work tirelessly behind the scenes in countless ways, and last Friday night at the St. Eugene Resort it was their time to shine. The Canadian Mental Health Association Kootenays hosted their annual Volunteer Gala and four special awards were presented — Volunteer Family of the Year, Youth Volunteer of the Year,
Volunteer Group of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. Lori Stolson organized the evening for CMHA and says the evening is always a highlight for her. “It’s always sold out. It’s a great evening. “The Canadian Mental Health Association hosts the gala. We put out a call for nominations to all non-profits who host volunteers.” What’s the connection between mental health and volunteering? It’s pretty simple, says Stolson. “Our community absolutely needs volunteers to provide services where there are gaps; es-
pecially with seniors. Volunteers fill those gaps. “But it’s enormously beneficial to the volunteers themselves. You feel good having a purpose, and it gives you a sense of belonging to your community.” The evening itself could not take place without the sponsor, Investors Group. “Without them there is no way we could pull this off,” Stolson said. “And I have to mention St. Eugene as well. They really help us with the cost of the pavilion.” Winning Volunteer Group of the Year was Bud Abbott and Friends. See GALA Page 4
CMHA PHOTO
Youth volunteer of year is Selkirk student Maddie Guimont. Maddie is active in Free the Children, the EK volleyball club and leads a Halloween food drive We Scare Hunger. She also worked in a clinic in Haiti last year. She is shown with Sally Macdonald from BC Hydro, who sponsored the award.