Lake Ontario rescue unit closing in on goal

Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit (GAMRU) is closing in on its goal of adding a new rescue boat to its fleet.

The organization announced Monday a $10,000 contribution from Grimsby construction firm NRB Inc., bringing its fundraising total to about $80,000.

But the organization is still $220,000 short of the cost of purchasing a new rescue boat to replace its 22-foot Zodiac Hurricane, after its hull cracked while rescuing boaters in August 2016. In a media release, GAMRU unit leader Bob Gordon called the fundraising initiative “a long, slow process.”

“It can be frustrating but this kind of donation really propels our campaign forward,” he said. “A donation like this from a respected local company like NRB is very, very gratifying.”

NRB Inc. president Bob McNeil said the company supported the “ambitious project” because water safety impacts so many people from the community. “Boating touches every age and demographic in our region and a volunteer agency offering the kind of service these people offer makes all of our communities stronger,” McNeil said.

Despite the fundraising challenges, the organization hopes to have a new boat in service by next year.

In December, the Wise Guys Charity Fund pitched in $50,000 towards the purchase of the new boat.