Vancouver Island SAR group establishes legacy fund after special donation
Published 9:35 am Monday, May 18, 2026
Jack McLean left a lasting investment and legacy for his community.
After McLean died, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue said they received a property from the estate of McLean, of Coombs.
ASAR, which called McLean’s gift “significant,” eventually sold the donated property and the proceeds established the Arrowsmith Search and Rescue Legacy Fund, an endowment fund administered by the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation
What McLean left behind is more than a memory, according to an ASAR press release. It will ensure that ASAR can continue to serve the region for generations to come.
“ASAR is deeply grateful to Jack and is committed to honouring his legacy by building this endowment into a lasting foundation for search and rescue services in the region,” the press release stated.
While the legacy fund serves as a long-term investment that strengthens ASAR’s ability to plan ahead and remain resilient in the face of future challenges, it is not intended to replace annual donations or community fundraising efforts and does not mean the funding needs of ASAR’s funding have been met.
The generosity of individuals, businesses and partners will continue to play a critical role in ensuring ASAR can operate at a high level and respond when it matters most.
Held and managed by the community foundation, the legacy fund is designed to grow steadily over the coming decades.
The long-term vision is for the fund to provide a reliable baseline of financial support, helping to sustain operations and provide stability regardless of the funding pressures of any given year.
ASAR has grown strategically in recent years to meet increasing demand for emergency services across the region and in mutual aid responses. The organization is operationally strong and rescue ready, but the costs of maintaining that standard of preparedness continue to rise.
Its core funding needs include ongoing operational costs to keep the organization running year-round: equipment, training, and maintenance required to maintain Rescue Ready status; and building costs including the remaining debt on ASAR’s facility.
There are many ways to contribute, from annual donations that support day-to-day operations, to legacy giving through estate planning. Individuals working with lawyers, notaries, financial planners, or insurance advisors are encouraged to consider including ASAR in their estate plans. ASAR extends its sincere thanks to the individuals, businesses, and partners whose generosity continues to make this work possible.
For information on how to support ASAR, whether as a donor, volunteer, or through estate planning, visit www.arrowsmithsar.ca.