Saskatoon, SK – Following a donation from the Union of Safety and Justice Employees (USJE), Saskatoon Search and Rescue (SSAR) has been able to purchase additional lifesaving bracelets to support the safety of highly vulnerable community members. These bracelets are provided, at no cost, to individuals who are at high risk of becoming lost due to cognitive differences such as dementia and autism.
If a vulnerable community member wanders, their bracelet emits a unique radio frequency signal that trained SSAR volunteers can detect. Using specialized equipment, volunteers search for and follow the signal, guiding them to the individual’s location, and allowing the individual to be reunited with loved ones.
Saskatoon Search and Rescue is a non-profit organization comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers. They are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are 100% volunteer run.
Chantal Di Placido, SSAR volunteer and USJE Member (Local 40140), nominated Saskatoon Search and Rescue for the donation from USJE’s Community Investment Initiative (CII). This initiative is dedicated to improving public safety in neighbourhoods and supporting local projects across Canada.
Quotes
“All families deserve to know that their vulnerable family members are safe. Thanks to USJE’s donation we’ll now be able to provide that safety, and peace of mind, free of charge to many additional families”. Carla Eager, President, SSAR
“As a USJE member and as a Saskatoon Search and Rescue volunteer, I work every day keeping Canadians safe. When I saw that USJE could not only support me, but support volunteer efforts to strengthen community safety, I felt this project was a perfect fit. I am glad that my union membership has made such a difference in my community.” Chantal Di Placido
About USJE
USJE represents nearly 20,000 federal Public Safety and Justice employees from coast to coast to coast. Across 18 federal departments nationwide, USJE members actively protect the safety, privacy and security of Canadians as well as provide crucial access to information, justice and human rights.
For more information, please contact:
Katie Willie
Communications Director, SSAR
Communications@Saskatoonsearchandrescue.org
306-220-2773
Bethany Sutton
Communications Officer/Analyst, USJE
suttonb@psac-afpc.com
