Roundup for Safety grants support local search and rescue teams

Local search and rescue organizations are receiving new support through Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Roundup for Safety program, helping equip first responders with critical gear used during emergencies across Northwest Montana.

At its June meeting, the Roundup for Safety Board of Directors awarded $10,000 to two local search and rescue organizations. Flathead County Search and Rescue received $6,000 for swiftwater rescue kits, while David Thompson Search and Rescue in Lincoln County received $4,000 for swiftwater rescue kits, lifejackets and helmets.

Roundup for Safety is a community life-safety program sponsored by the Co-op and voluntarily funded by members who round up their monthly electric bill to the nearest dollar. Those small contributions provide grant funding for local nonprofit safety projects. Rounding up costs participating members about $6 per year, but together, that small change makes a big difference. Since 1997, Roundup for Safety has awarded more than $5 million to support over 1,400 community safety projects.

Sign up anytime at flatheadelectric.com/roundup. 

The other projects awarded grants at the monthly meeting were:

- Swan River School - $5,000 for security window coverings that limit outside visibility into classrooms

- The Little Woodbank - $5,600 for utility wagon for safely hauling wood and tools, and other equipment to improve safety

- Girls on the Run Western MT - $1,500 for large outdoor canopy tent that provides shaded, weather-protected space for children during community events

- Bibler Legacy Foundation - $2,500 for safety and accessibility equipment at new Ashley Creek Park

- Logan Health Kalispell - $6,000 for youth bike helmets

- Glacier Nordic Club - $1,500 for high-visibility shirts and first aid supplies