Northeast Wilderness Search & Rescue

CONTACT:

P.O. Box 52
Ware, MA 01082-0052
413-967-0037
www.newsar.us

Dan O'Connor, Treasurer

DESCRIPTION:

We all remember how after September 11th, thousands of volunteers in all capacities materialized from everywhere to pitch in and help the rescue and clean-up operations; or how, whenever someone gets lost or injured in the wild, volunteer search and rescue workers help save them. Did you ever wonder how such people are recruited, trained, and organized to respond to these emergencies? Here is your answer: philanthropy.

NEWSAR's mission is to provide no- or low-cost training for "Search & Rescue" volunteers, who generally pay for their own equipment and training with their own money--and it can be expensive. Here is a small organization--nine-member board, $1,000 budget--that has been providing courses in such things as K9 (i.e., dog) training, search management, first aid, and rescue techniques. They keep costs down by using public or donated facilities when available--e.g., State Police training facilities in Massachusetts and Vermont. They raise their dollars through membership dues--$5 for individuals, $50 for teams. They maintain a website and on-line training log for team members. In 2001 they trained 367 participants, but ended the year with a $600 deficit, so they have decided to get organized as a charity, and have incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization. We are helping, so you can help. Who knows--the lives we save may be our own.

(2002: HUMAN SERVICES: Well-Being)