By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle

The Osoyoos Rotary Club has given out $2,000 cheques to Osoyoos first responders after realizing a surplus of funds following the service club’s annual First Responders Awards Gala Dinner & Dance held on Jan. 26.

The gala, which aims to honour and thank first responders for their service to the community, is supported through the sale of tickets to the public and through sponsorship.

Each year generally sees a surplus which is given equally to the four first responder organizations: the RCMP, paramedics, fire department, and search & rescue. Representatives were on hand last week (Feb. 23) to receive their cheques, with all expressing their gratitude for the donations.

Sgt. Jason Bayda, commander of the Osoyoos RCMP detachment, said the spending plan hasn’t been determined but like previous years will likely go towards safety items.

“We’ll be looking at whether it’s on the safety side keeping our officers safe on the road or making their job better.” He added that these are items not supplied to his officers from the RCMP, “so our members really do appreciate it.”

Troy Clifford, Paramedic Station Unit Chief of BC Emergency Health Services noted that similar to the RCMP the donation is often applied to items that enhance their safety as well as for things that make their job a little more enjoyable.

The money will go into the station fund Clifford said, which is also used for things as simple as coffee and for social gatherings at Christmas and a summer BBQ. These social events are important he said because they involve members and their families who are also impacted by the job. “That’s why things like a family BBQ are important.”

Chris Parker, a Captain with the Osoyoos Fire Rescue and head of the Osoyoos Firefighters Charitable Society said the money will go into the society’s pool.

The society makes donations to hospitals, gives out bursaries to the Osoyoos Secondary School, helps families in need and purchases equipment like its recent purchase of thermal imaging cameras.

“Most of it goes back into the community,” he emphasized. He noted that their big fundraising event for the year – the Osoyoos Firefighters Charitable Society Dinner and Dance (what was formerly known as the “Oyster Feed”) will be held this April 22.

Melba McGeachy, a member of the Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue (OOSAR) who was also the recipient of the OOSAR award at this year’s gala, said she was unsure of how the money would be used but noted, “we have so many needs.”

In past years the OOSAR has bought special lights for their truck to make them more visible, and harnesses for their search dog. McGeachy thanked Rotary and added: “I really am the SAR mom, I really do boss them around!” she said to much laughter.