MISSISSAUGA, ON – Estrie Search & Rescue, a volunteer search and rescue organization based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, has been named the 16th recipient of the KENWOOD Cares communications equipment grant, a program by JVCKENWOOD Canada that supports emergency response organizations with vital communications tools.
Estrie Search & Rescue provides essential services across Estrie region – located in the forested and rugged terrain of the Appalachians surrounding Sherbrooke. They provide search and rescue of missing persons in both urban and wilderness settings. The organization also supports local police and families, provides first aid at public events, and offers public education on safety and preparedness. Their highly trained volunteers are equipped to respond to emergencies ranging from search operations to civil security events such as floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
“We are incredibly proud to have been selected as a recipient of the KENWOOD Cares grant,” said Dany Chaput, President, Estrie Search & Rescue. “The $15,000 worth of communication equipment will have an immediate and lasting impact on our team’s ability to respond to search and rescue operations in remote and rugged environments. Reliable radio communication is vital to the safety of our volunteers and the success of our missions. This new equipment will allow us to better coordinate with public safety agencies and enhance our operational effectiveness in the field.”
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to JVCKENWOOD Canada for this generous contribution, and to Groupe CLR, our trusted partner, who will be supporting us with the installation and programming of the new radio systems,” added Chaput. “Their collaboration ensures that the equipment will be fully optimized to meet the demands of our terrain and mission profiles. Together, JVCKENWOOD and Groupe CLR are helping us strengthen our commitment to protecting and serving our community through volunteer emergency response.”
With a growing membership, Estrie Search & Rescue had been relying on an aging fleet of radios that no longer met the demands of their operations. Outdated communications equipment posed risks to team safety and hindered the fast, accurate relay of information during critical moments.
“On behalf of JVCKENWOOD Canada, we are proud to support Estrie Search & Rescue through the KENWOOD Cares grant program,” said Wilf Mulder, Vice President, Safety & Security Division at JVCKENWOOD Canada. “As a volunteer-led organization that relies heavily on community fundraising, we’re honoured to help equip their team with the reliable communication tools they need to continue their life-saving work.”
Working closely with JVCKENWOOD Canada, Estrie Search & Rescue selected a customized package of KENWOOD NX-1000 Series digital portable and mobile two-way radios and accessories – enhancing safety, coordination, and efficiency in the field. The KENWOOD radio equipment has been configured by the team at Groupe CLR in Sherbrooke, QC.
“Groupe CLR is proud to collaborate with Estrie Search & Rescue, recipient of the KENWOOD Cares program,” said Jean-François Ducharme, Chief Executive Officer, Groupe CLR. “Their commitment in the field deserves support, and we are confident that this contribution will strengthen their communication tools, which are essential to the success of rescue operations.”
JVCKENWOOD Canada is now accepting applications for the next round of the KENWOOD Cares program. A new grant, valued at $15,000 in communications equipment, will be awarded to a deserving Canadian volunteer emergency organization. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2025. For full eligibility details and to submit an application, visit www.kenwoodcares.ca.
Estrie Search & Rescue is the 16th recipient of the KENWOOD Cares Communications Equipment Grant, joining the following previous recipients: