Canadian Yachting April 2023 - 41

All of this brings me back to the volunteers, which is the
engine for both groups. I had the chance to talk to two
front line volunteers.
Marie Green of GAMRU recently retired from the automotive
industry and was looking for new activities going forward.
She enjoyed being on the water, helping people and
was interested in developing new skills. Two seasons into
her GAMRU adventure, Marie states, " What surprised me
was the new social group and close relationships I developed
with my GAMRU teammates. On my very first tasking, the
search for an overboard individual did not turn out the way
we hoped and that can take an emotional toll. Our closeknit
group sought me out in the days following to provide
support. I am thrilled to be part of my GAMRU family. "
a fleet of SAR vessels, the most recent being their 2021
commissioned GAMRU 240, a purpose-designed and built
Stanley aluminum boat powered by twin Honda 225 hp
outboards. Equipped with all the latest in electronic equipment
to aid with search efforts, the vessel was the result of
years of fundraising for the organization.
HASAR is in the early stages of their water rescue capabilities
but have secured two vessels. In 2021, the John Millar,
a 1973 21-foot Grew was acquired and modified to meet
Coast Guard Auxiliary requirements. Given the large and
often rough waters of Lake Huron, in 2022, HASAR added
the Florence Graham, a 1959 40-foot Norwegian trawler
with twin diesel engines, and a fully enclosed bridge and
house. The vessel is currently going through an extensive
refit in preparation for the 2023 season. Both boats augment
various land-based vehicles that HASAR maintains for
ground emergency services.
The search for funding for both organizations is a never-ending
quest as they rely upon financial support from the community.
Doug comments that, in the past, the organization
relied heavily on what he describes as " retail " fundraising
events - events where the public has been involved. Examples
include selling SnoKones on Canada Day, an annual
golf tournament and community spaghetti dinners.
Reliance
on that kind of fundraising is risky as any number
of things can derail a public event. Moreover, the level of
competition for donated dollars is fierce with more sophisticated
fundraising campaigns emerging all the time. There
are many worthy causes, and the level of their fundraising
is increasingly sophisticated. As a small organization with
no staff (and, arguably, little experience in the field) it gets
very difficult to compete. In recent years, GAMRU have
moved upstream, focusing on donations from institutions,
corporations and business organizations.
Patrick Armstrong of HASAR has found that most potential
benefactors are willing to fund capital purchases but
not operational costs that require additional creative fundraising.
Recently, they partnered with Alzheimer Society
Huron Perth to stage the Huron Polar Plunge, generating
much-needed funds for both organizations.
CANADIANYACHTING.CA
41
Courtney Courtnage of HASAR works in sales & marketing
and relocated from Woodstock to the Huron area a
few years back. With a goal to circumnavigate the globe,
Courtney had been taking sailing lessons and was looking
to further expand upon her boating skills. As well, she
wanted to make new friends with her move. As such, she
sought out to join the local Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary
just when HASAR was being formed and has been involved
since. Asked what she has drawn from her SAR experience,
Courtney states, " I have developed skills and taken on new
responsibilities that I would never have considered a few
years ago. Since joining, I have been certified in rope rescue,
ground search and am one of the inaugural members of
the newly formed HASAR CCGA unit. I have also received
emergency management training, all of which benefits my
daily life beyond HASAR activities. " Still in the midst of her
career, that circumnavigation goal must wait. Meanwhile,
Courtney enjoys rock climbing and sea kayaking on Ontario
waterways.
I hope you will take three things away from reading this
article. First, take the opportunity to say thanks to your
local SAR volunteers for their efforts to improve boating
safety. These are exceptional members of our community.
Second, should you be seeking a rewarding activity, consider
volunteering with your search and rescue marine unit.
Finally, does your company support local volunteer organizations?
Are you involved with foundations seeking
worthwhile charities to support? If so, suggest they consider
operations like HASAR and GAMRU.
I guarantee you those eight people rescued on July 24th
remain very thankful for the volunteers and their financial
supporters. ■
http://www.CANADIANYACHTING.CA
Canadian Yachting April 2023

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