Quick Update – August 2023

QUICK UPDATE

BC WILDFIRES

This has been a record setting year for the number of wildfires in the Province.  Our thoughts are with the families of the fire fighters who gave their lives battling the blazes on the front line.  Many members of the Force have been deployed to the fire zones to safeguard individuals and the property of evacuees.  Hundreds of volunteers are assisting with the people displaced by the fires.  We pray for the safety of all those who are out to serve and protect their communities.

We are aware that one member of Kelowna Detachment lost their home and many more are evacuated or on alert.  We are not aware of any of our former colleagues having been affected, however, some have likely been evacuated.  For those who wish to offer financial support, you may wish to explore donating to the RCMP Veterans’ Association Foundation.  This is a registered charitable organization and it is able to provide tax receipts to donors.  A copy of the information pamphlet is attached.  I am advised that a communication from the Association Office will be coming out shortly with further details about the Foundation.  If you intend to provide financial support, please be aware that there may be unscrupulous individuals trying to profit through websites like “Go Fund Me”.

SEPTEMBER MEETING – CHILLIWACK

Registration for the September General Meeting in Chilliwack on September 14 is open.

Chilliwack Curling Center

45550 Spadina Ave., Chilliwack, BC
Time:   11:00 AM to 2PM
Cost:    $50 per plate

The banquet room at the Chilliwack Curling is on the second floor, but there is an ELEVATOR AVAILABLE.

To register, please notify Dorothy Martinson that you will be in attendance NOW and, prior to September 7, 2023, at  demartinson@shaw.ca

Payment:

1.  Preferred e-transfer to     rcmpvetsvan@shaw.ca    with Chilliwack Luncheon in your caption.

2.  At the door with Cash, or Cheque  (But you need to register with Dorothy to use this means).

Our program will include the raising of the Veterans’ Ensign.  The Ensign was presented to the Veterans at the Annual General Meeting in May at Ottawa.

Our Guest Speaker will be retired member and author, Laurie White.  Laurie was shot while on duty in Kitimat, BC and as a result suffered the loss of part of her leg.  She is an excellent speaker and describes how she overcame mental and physical challenges to return to active duty with the Force.  Her book, 10-33: An Officer Down Steps Back Up, is well worth the read and Laurie will have copies available for sale.

Former members and Artisans Russ Lefler and Paul McCarl will have their creations on display as well.

Duty Done: Memories of Fairmont Barracks will also be available for purchase.  All proceeds got to the RCMP Heritage Centre.

Transportation to the Meeting:

If there any of our membership who require a ride to the Chilliwack luncheon or can offer transportation, please advise one of the Executive and we will do our best to assist.

ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:

The AEC is the Association Board of Director together with the Division Presidents.  We are in the midst of four meetings to discuss ways that the Association can better serve the membership.  I expect that at the conclusion of the meetings, some working groups will be formed to assist with specific issues.  We will be looking for volunteers from our membership across the country to make a short term commitment to serve on these groups.

Once the meetings have concluded, I will provide an update to you.  Please consider offering your contribution to one of the working groups.