Fundraiser to honour North Shore Rescue’s former leader Tim Jones to be held this weekend

WATCH: Michael Danks talks with Aaron McArthur about the fundraiser this weekend – and the second year of a special beer.

A fundraiser in memory of longtime leader of North Shore Rescue (NSR) Tim Jones will be held this weekend.

Jones died suddenly in January of last year while coming down from the rescue team’s cabin on Mount Seymour. He was 57 years old.

Jones, a longtime paramedic, volunteered with NSR for more than 20 years. He took part in more than 1,500 searches, rescued more than a 1,000 people and saved many lives.

He dedicated countless hours to rescue and recovery operations in B.C.’s backcountry through the years and worked tirelessly to raise funds for NSR, which relies on donations for equipment and training.

North Shore Rescue’s new leader Michael Danks says their goal is to raise $6 million for the Tim Jones Legacy Fund, that, Danks says, has already raised over half a million dollars.

READ MORE: Taylor Jones rallies to continue father Tim’s legacy

That legacy fund, created after Jones’ death, is intended to be a long-term endowment. If they raise $6 million, they’ll be able to cover their $500,000 annual costs on the interest alone.

Currently, the team receives around $180,000 yearly from different levels of government and cover the rest through donations, mostly from individuals. However, government funds have to be applied for yearly and aren’t guaranteed. Personal donations can fluctuate wildly.

It creates an environment, where North Shore Rescue leaders have to prioritize fundraising over training more often than they would like, which is why fundraisers like this are important, says Danks.

Last year’s fundraiser saw a special beer created to honour Jones. The Shredder Golden Ale, created by Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers, was released on Nov. 15, and the 60 kegs of it sold out. Over $10,000 were also raised.

Danks hopes they can double that amount this year. One hundred per cent of the proceeds are donated to the legacy fund.

“It keeps Tim’s name out in the public eye. It is also a really good thing for Tim’s family to see that people are so supportive of what their father and husband did for the community,’ says Danks.

Jones is survived by his wife and two children.

The event will take place at 4 p.m. this Sunday at the Deep Cove Brewers and Distillers in North Vancouver.

To donate to Tim Jones Legacy Fund, go here.

With files from Justin McElroy