Our Individuals, Our Peninsula: Scott Paulson appreciates ‘companionship of like-minded folks’

We all know that volunteers are the spine of any neighborhood. With out the efforts of people that donate their time, vitality and experience – asking for nothing however a thanks in return – many very important organizations and businesses would merely stop to perform. In our third annual Our Individuals, Our Peninsula characteristic, Peace Arch Information is profiling seven volunteers whose efforts are making a significant distinction of their neighborhood.

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When Scott Paulhus determined to turn into a volunteer with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCMSAR) at Crescent Seashore 10 years in the past, he had a slightly distinctive – and private – cause for doing so.

“One of many major causes I joined the group was as a result of I used to be as soon as rescued a few years in the past,” Paulhus explains.

Whereas his personal rescue happened on dry land, the proximity of Crescent Seashore to the place he lives made becoming a member of Rescue Station 5 the logical selection. And, he explains, it was a call that has allowed him to provide again to a trigger that has turn into tremendously necessary to him.

“I additionally get pleasure from spending time on the water, so it appeared like a win-win,” he provides.

Search and Rescue will not be for many who favor to maintain workplace hours. Volunteers are prepared to leap into motion 24 hours a day, twelve months per 12 months. Since 2007, in keeping with its web site, RCMSAR 5, which covers a response space that reaches so far as Saturna Island, has saved almost 100 lives and greater than $4 million in property.

Talking on behalf of RCMSAR, Melanie Gaboriault has nothing however reward for Paulhus, who, she notes, has acted as Station Chief prior to now.

“He’s a superb mentor and is at all times there to take heed to these on the group, and he additionally manages our social media channels.

“Outdoors of the station, I do know he coaches hockey as properly. And, as additional proof of his character, he’s been to Africa to assist construct an orphanage,” says Gaboriault.

“I might advocate everybody attempt volunteering in some unspecified time in the future of their lives,” says Paulhus.

“Volunteering, for me, offers companionship amongst like-minded folks, an opportunity to broaden my abilities – all whereas offering security on the water – and an general sense of delight when having the ability to help the area people.”

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