Officials with Project Lifesaver say client numbers have grown ‘at an extraordinary pace’ with Project Lifesaver in the North Bay area.
Stan French, President of BAYSAR Air Search and Rescue, says when they launched in the fall of 2020, they thought they might have about 25 clients in our area.
“Now, we have over 80 people in the program,” he says.
The program uses body worn radio transmitters to help police quickly locate missing people of all ages with cognitive disorders.
“Our success has also led to me being elevated to the status of a National Instructor for Project Lifesaver,” says French.
He’s able to train and certify new agencies in Canada, noting the first was in Parry Sound this past winter, with another one in Ontario expected in the near future.
“As well, following the tragic death of Parker Wells in Calgary this past July, I have been asked to help people in Alberta who are interested in establishing Project Lifesaver,” says French.
He has also released a couple of new songs to help fundraiser for the organization.
‘Student’s Lament’ and ‘University Blues’ are now available on all major streaming platforms.
You can find links at stanfrench.org/music
Originally written when he was a student in the 1970s, French says the lyrics and arrangements have been updated.
French also says the local Project Lifesaver program received support from:
- Rotary Club of North Bay, which has committed $12,000 for children referred by One Kids Place
- Alzheimer Society, which has committed up to $5,000 to support people with dementia requiring the service.
