A snowboarder found after three harrowing days on Cypress Mountain last year is rewarding the efforts of his rescue team with a $10,000 donation.
Sébastien Boucher, then 33, went missing on Dec. 16, 2012 after going out of bounds on the mountain. He was found three days later when North Shore Rescue pulled him out of the steep Disbrow Creek ravine above Howe Sound.
"This was a super high-risk operation," said North Shore Rescue leader Tim Jones. "It was a very risky, high helicopter long-line rescue. It was in avalanche terrain and we had to be very clear what we were getting ourselves into."
Boucher had nerve damage to his hands and feet and lost about 20 pounds of muscle during the ordeal. He said despite his physical injuries, one of his first thoughts after being rescued was that he wanted to show his gratitude.
"I was alive and dedicated to show my appreciation to these guys right away," said Boucher. "It's important for me, my family and friends to do this because in reality, I'm here today because of them."
Boucher staged the 1st Annual Survival Cup Hockey Tournament late last month in his home of Rockland, outside of Ottawa, in the hopes of raising $10,000 for North Shore Rescue.
Jones said Boucher told him he was going to organize the event.
The event was a success and the donation will go towards the team's helicopter training, said Jones, which costs approximately $2,000 an hour for airtime. It will also help cover the costs of building a rope rescue platform at North Shore Rescue's new facility.
"Both these things are sort of symbolic because it was rappelling and long lining that enabled us to get to him," Jones said of the team's 300 foot direct rappel to reach Boucher. "We deeply appreciate him doing this. He was true to his word and he's gone and done it, so we're very happy to know him."
Boucher will present the cheque on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the North Shore Rescue base at 61 Bewicke Avenue in North Vancouver.
"The biggest honor we could get is somebody doing a fundraiser and raising money for us. That beats a medal any day," said Jones. "We truly appreciate it. Every donation we get is important. The $50 donation is just as important as the $10,000 donation. They all add up."
Boucher said he advises anyone heading into the mountains to have the proper equipment and survival gear.
"Plan for the worst and hope for the best and remember to respect the mountain if you want the mountain to respect you."
