Overview

Our Mission To save lives by fostering, coordinating and encouraging excellence in volunteer search and rescue organizations in Canada. Our Vision To have a national community of skilled search and rescue volunteers whose contributions are valued and supported by the public and all levels of government. Established in 1996, the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada (SARVAC) is a federally incorporated registered Canadian Charity that provides a national voice for ground search and rescue volunteers in Canada. We address issues of common concern, to develop consistency, and promote standardization or portability of programs and volunteers, and deliver initiatives that benefit and support all ground search and rescue volunteers in Canada, as well as the general public. SARVAC represents the thirteen provincial and territorial volunteer Ground Search and Rescue Associations in Canada. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteer representatives from each of the provinces and territories. Ultimately, SARVAC represents the interests of 9,000 Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) volunteers throughout Canada who provide search and rescue services on land and inland waters. SARVAC supports, coordinates, develops, informs, promotes and implements search, rescue and emergency response with the underlying principle of saving lives. SARVAC is administered by volunteers who train and practice search, rescue and survival skills in various parts of Canada . The organization is supported by the National Search and Rescue Secretariat and is funded through donations and fund-raising events. SARVAC takes pride in offering a vital National service. In addition to its search and rescue activities, it provides a medium for liaison and the exchange of information among federal, provincial/territorial, local, and volunteer search and/or rescue agencies and organizations