There is no funeral or “Celebration of Life” for the St. John Ambulance branch and brigade that started in Powell River in 1911.
Founding member George Clapp saw a need for safety in the mill in the early years and began by ensuring every supervisor was trained in first aid through St. John Ambulance. Training was held in church basements and individual homes. It was not until some very passionate people decided they needed a more permanent place that the old firehall in Townsite was converted over to be used as a training centre, as well as a place for the brigade to hold meetings and store first-aid equipment.
Powell River Regional District was very generous in allowing this to happen at very little cost to St. John Ambulance and it believed the organization to be a tremendous benefit to the community, of which it was.
The operation proved very viable, with numerous different courses of first aid being taught from the basics right up to level three, as well as CPR.
Last month, a group of people came into Powell River and began the destruction. There was no courtesy to let brigade members know prior to them coming to enable members to retrieve any of their personal belongings or memorabilia. There was no dignity or respect for our dedicated volunteers.
The group converged on the St. John Ambulance building and began their pillage of the contents of the building. Out went everything: furniture, desks, chairs, shelving, personal items that belonged to brigade members, memorabilia dating back to 1911, files, books, binders, you name it. They boxed it up and it either went to the dump, was shredded or they took it with them when they left.
When asked by a passerby why they were carrying this massacre out the answer was, “just following orders.”
Is St. John Ambulance operating its “not-for-profit” organization in such a way that it is now a profit-making business? Does it feel there is no longer a need for volunteers while hiding under the umbrella of being a not-for-profit?
It would appear the powers that be are evolving into something that does not coincide with the past reputation of a well-respected organization, which was committed to enabling residents of Powell River to improve their health, safety and quality of life.
What has it become? Who is taking the profits? What is happening to the gaming money that was once disbursed to the brigades? These are questions that need answers.
For every individual in this town who has ever taken a first-aid course and all organizations that have depended on brigade members to carry out their duties as first-aid attendants at a softball game, track meet, hockey tournament, Terry Fox Run, Kathaumixw or Blackberry Festival, or any other community event, make your feelings known on how this destruction is going to affect you and your family, and residents of Powell River.
An apology is the least we can demand of the one who is giving the orders.
Marie Rumley is a retired branch manager of St. John Ambulance in Powell River.
