Grimsby marine unit gets crucial new equipment
The only dedicated marine search and rescue organization on the south shore of Lake Ontario in Niagara now has crucial new equipment to help save the lives of people in trouble on the water.
Grimsby Auxiliary Marine Rescue Unit (GAMRU) South Shore Search and Rescue, an all-volunteer organization of Niagara residents that has saved dozens of lives and protected millions of dollars’ worth of property and equipment, has received $27,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.
Ben Upper, chief of operations for GAMRU, said the donation paid for the purchase of vital, life-saving equipment for the unit’s two rescue vessels, including new pumps and medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators for people suffering cardiac arrest, as well as searchlights for night rescues, towing hardware and upgraded navigation systems.
The money might not sound like a king’s ransom, but for an organization that receives no government funding and must fundraise for everything — including fuel, equipment, pagers and training — it’s key to replacing and upgrading equipment, said Upper.
“We desperately needed this equipment,” he said.
The financial boost came after GAMRU volunteers dining at the Firehouse Subs franchise on Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls learned of the chain’s foundation, said GAMRU fundraising director Denise Tulk. Vishal Patel, owner of the Niagara Falls franchise, helped cobble together the grant application, she said.
“We’re so appreciative; we’re so grateful,” she said. “This equipment is going to make a huge difference for us on the water and in our life-saving efforts.”
GAMRU is a member of the Canadian Coast Guard auxiliary and is dispatched to marine emergencies by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Its 30 members respond to emergencies on the lake 24 hours a day throughout the boating season and train year-round.
The marine unit, in operation for more than 25 years, has been called to 181 rescue missions that helped hundreds of people and saved 75 lives over the past decade.
GAMRU said it’s also desperately in need of replacing its aging fast-response Zodiac. A $300,000 fundraising campaign has been launched for that.
Online donations can be made at www.gamru.ca/donations.