2. Feb 2015 Newsletter

OUR CHAPTER 2013 - 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS
Through the 2013/2014 year the SCI – Drayton Valley Chapter experienced great successes and attained huge
goals in support of SCI’s mission toward hunting conservation, education and humanitarian endeavors. As a
direct result of our chapter’s efforts, we have been privileged to be recognized on an international scale by SCI
through their annual award program as the 2013 International Chapter of the Year!
We continue our pride and commitment toward our major humanitarian project; our Fishing Dock for seniors
residing within care centres and individuals with disabilities. Our local Board and Chapter members have
contributed in excess of 900 volunteer hours toward the operation and maintenance of the dock. Over the
summer months we were very fortunate to have a variety of user groups visit the dock, with some seniors
groups travelling from two hours away to visit our facility and enjoy the benefits it has to offer. In total we
had over 250+ individuals visit the dock! In addition, we hosted a day of fishing, in conjunction with Cabelas
Edmonton, for a group of underprivileged inner city children from the Crystal Kids Youth Centre. These
children hadn’t experienced the opportunity to go fishing or for some even enjoy a peaceful day in the great
outdoors. It was an amazing and rewarding experience and we look forward to partnering with Cabelas again
in hosting more inner city children in the years to come.
In support of SCIFs missions on a global scale, our Chapter was extremely pleased to be involved in the delivery
of four Blue Bags this past year. One was sent to a children’s school in Cuba by the MacGregor family, one to a
village in Africa through the "Feel the Rush" TV Show, while two others were sent again through our affiliation
with Hearts of Lushoto, which is a local community organization we have partnered with for a number of years.
As part of our commitment to sustain our hunting heritage and providing our youth the opportunity to enjoy
the great outdoors, we facilitated a youth hunter training program in May 2014 within our community of
Drayton Valley free of charge to youth 12 to 17 years of age, with 10 youth participants and (3) volunteers
from our Board of Directors.
The Drayton Valley Chapter of Safari Club International is very proud to continue their support of the National
Archery in Schools Program (NASP). In addition to our initial $40,000 contribution we have continued our
endeavors in support of this beneficial program by way of providing NASP kits to the Warburg and Fullam
schools bringing the number of schools offering the program to ten (10). St. Anthony’s school was also provided
additional bows and gear for their active team! We also partnered with the Brazeau Bowbenders in sponsoring
the Provincial shoot in Edmonton in 2014. This included the provision of SCI Drayton Valley T-shirts to the
youth participating in the shoot from the schools in which we have provided NASP kits to, and the provision
of busing to the event. We also partnered with the Brazeau Bowbenders in facilitating a Youth Fun Shoot in
the summer. Youth from the schools were invited to participate in the fun shoot where they were provided
the opportunity to target shoot and then head out onto the 3D archery range; for many this was their first
experience 3D shooting. The SCI Drayton Valley Chapter also provided grab bags for the event and sponsored
the lunch. We were also a proud supporter of the Alberta Bow Hunters Association Provincial Shoot held in
conjunction with the Brazeau Bowbenders at their range this past summer. Our purpose for being there was
to increase awareness of Safari Club International and the SCI Drayton Valley Chapter.
Over the past year our conservation efforts have included the provision of a Flir for the Drayton Valley SRD
Office to aide them in their endeavors in locating night time poachers. We are also currently working with
Alberta SRD toward the organization of an aerial count of moose populations in WMU 339, which hasn’t been
conducted in fifteen years. In addition, we have recently embarked on an enhanced fishing stock program with
the SCI Red Deer Chapter and Alberta Conservation Association that will see a small pond located south of
Hoadley stocked with approximately 1000 trout to enhance angler operations. Enhancements will also be
made to the walk path to support wheelchair accessibility and dock installation.
Our Chapter took pride in reaching out to our community with helping hands this year as we undertook a
shopping excursion that resulted in us obtaining in excess of $1,500 in needed merchandise and toys for our
local Santa’s Anonymous as they were in dire need of supplies to meet the needs of local families reaching out
for this support. In addition, we also provided a $1,000 monetary donation to our local area Food Bank who
was in desperate need to replenish their shelves during the Christmas season in order to meet the community
demands of underprivileged families. Our Chapter also contributed $5,000 toward the Drayton Valley Health
Services Foundation CT4DV (Cat Scan) Campaign, $1,000 to the Evergreen Gun Club for target maintenance
and assistance with building a new shooting shack, and lastly $1,000 toward the Drayton Valley elementary
schools hot lunch program.
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To you, our members and supporters we thank you for your contributions. It is your commitment to the
Chapter that has contributed to the accomplishments that have been achieved.