Moose Jaw Search and Rescue will be holding an information night for potential volunteers on Thursday, November 23rd from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

The event will be held at the W. J. Jones & Son Reception Centre at 474 Hochelaga St W, and participants will learn about Moose Jaw Search and Rescue, including what the group does, what training is involved, and volunteer expectations.  

When people go missing, Moose Jaw Search and Rescue may be called upon. "Basically, we go out looking for lost individuals – it might be children, youth, adults, seniors,” said Fern Paulhus with Moose Jaw Search and Rescue.  

The group currently has approximately 40 members, and they’re looking to get that number up to 50. The time commitment required is approximately 40 hours per year, which includes training and fundraising efforts.  

If people decide that they’re interested, there is a one-time $60 registration fee to join, which can be paid via cash, cheque, or e-transfer. This covers fees for the 40-hour Basic Searcher course. A criminal record check will be needed to be a member of Moose Jaw Search and Rescue. 

Once qualified, volunteers may be called to search for people as far out as Prince Albert, and Paulhus said that Moose Jaw Search and Rescue is called on approximately 3 to 5 times per year. 

Aside from physically searching for missing people, Moose Jaw Search and Rescue runs preventative programs like AdventureSmart, where trained members go into schools and give children valuable information on what to do if they ever find themselves lost in the woods. They also have programs for senior homes, where seniors can be signed up and records are created that include possible areas where those seniors may have gone if they’re lost.  

You can find more information about Moose Jaw Search and Rescue on their website. 

In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, Discover Moose Jaw encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Discover Moose Jaw app HERE.