Thierry Vrain recently hosted a fundraiser, on Sept. 5, for the Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue team, just three weeks after they saved his life.

After being lost and injured while hiking on Mount Becher in August, Vrain wanted to help others learn from his mistakes and give back to those who helped him.

Held at Innisfree Farm & Botanic Garden, the fundraiser featured a presentation by Paul Berry of Comox Valley Ground Search and Rescue (CVSAR), Courtenay Mayor Bob Wells as master of ceremonies, and short speeches by Thierry Vrain and his wife about their experiences.

With over 170 people in attendance, co-organizer Chanchal Cabrera was delighted with the turnout and support.

鈥淭his really speaks to the power of community and how important Search and Rescue is in the Comox Valley,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hese people are unsung heroes, volunteers who risk their own safety to help others, and they are clearly appreciated by many.鈥�

Attendees had a chance to meet members of the Comox Valley Ground Search & Rescue team.

鈥淕round SAR specialists are in every respect first responders in their own right. We go where others don鈥檛 or can鈥檛, providing professional care to those we serve,鈥� said Berry.

The goal for the fundraiser was $5,000, and Vrain originally planned to match the funds raised with his own donation.

Over the following week, the donations far surpassed expectations. Vrain ended up doubling his donations to $10,000, bringing the final fundraised total to just over $30,000.

鈥淭hese people saved my life and maybe one day they will save yours,鈥� said Vrain. 鈥淩aising funds for them, raising awareness of their work, seems like the least we could do to say thank you.鈥�

- Zhyfhs Millicent