Big White Ski Resort Celebrates COSAR's 70th Anniversary with a $5,000 Donation
The donation will support the equipment, training, and resources essential for the 50 dedicated, highly trained volunteers who respond to over 100 callouts annually across Kelowna, West Kelowna, and the surrounding backcountry.
"These volunteers do such fantastic work for Big White and our surrounding communities," said Darcy Arnold, Chief Operating Officer of Big White Ski Resort. "Whether it's a rescue mission beyond the resort boundary ropes or deep in the backcountry, COSAR has always been there, responding swiftly and professionally. Their dedication ensures the safety of our guests and staff year-round. As unpaid professionals, they rely on government funding and community support to continue delivering these invaluable services, and we’re proud to support them in any way we can."
COSAR, the oldest search and rescue organization in British Columbia, was founded in 1954. It has since responded to thousands of emergency calls, training for countless hours to keep their skills sharp. Saturday's 70th-anniversary event at their Kelowna headquarters at 4680 Old Vernon Road was a momentous occasion that celebrated COSAR's rich history and showcased their diverse and innovative rescue equipment alongside highlights of notable missions from the past decades.
"We are incredibly grateful for the $5,000 donation—it will go a long way in supporting our training and covering essential fuel costs," said Duane Tresnich, a 14-year COSAR volunteer and spokesperson, during a recent radio interview about the contribution. "Big White has been awesome when we've had calls up on the mountain. They consistently go above and beyond to assist us, if we've ever needed help accessing resources. I cannot say thank you enough to them."
Over the past seventy years, COSAR has become an integral part of the community, offering critical expertise in advanced first aid, high-angle rope rescues, wilderness searches, and helicopter operations.
Big White Ski Resort's donation underscores the strong and lasting partnership between the resort and COSAR. It is a recognition of the vital role COSAR plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors, and a commitment to supporting their life-saving work for years to come.
About Big White Ski Resort: Founded in 1963, Big White Ski Resort is a beloved, family-owned and operated destination, renowned as one of Canada’s premier locations for winter sports and outdoor adventure. Spanning over 2,765 acres of diverse skiable terrain, Big White offers an unmatched experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort is home to Canada’s second-largest lift system and boasts the largest night skiing area in Western Canada, delivering excitement both day and night.
The Early Bird Season Pass Sale for the 2024-2025 winter season is available now through October 20, 2024, with the season kicking off on November 28, 2024. Learn more at bigwhite.com.
About Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR): Founded in 1954, COSAR is the longest-serving search and rescue organization in British Columbia. With 50 highly trained volunteers, COSAR responds to over 100 call-outs each year, providing a range of rescue services in both urban and wilderness environments. Learn more at www.cosar.ca.