For over 35 years, Leigh Pearson has served as a volunteer member of Vernon Search and Rescue (SAR). Known for its natural beauty, Vernon is popular with outdoor enthusiasts and dependent upon the expertise of its SAR team. Leigh has personally managed more than 600 searches and helped to establish the Vernon SAR Helicopter Winch Program, the first one in Canada, which has improved patient outcomes and saved lives.
It important to acknowledge community service because the general public needs to know what is happening in their community and who is making it happen. This award is an award for Vernon Search and Rescue, it just happens to have my name on it, and I am okay with that, more than okay actually. I look around and see the new members coming up behind me. Their enthusiasm and energy are amazing. It keeps me going…and keeps me young.
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that honours excellence and inspires achievement in British Columbia.
