Feb 2016 Newsletter

OUR CHAPTER 2014-2015 ACHIEVEMENTS
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Through the 2014/2015 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. One of our most memorable occasions was the privilege of being awarded the 2014
International Chapter of The Year Award.
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 this year. Over the summer months we have been very fortunate to have a variety of user
groups visit the dock, with some senior groups travelling from two hours away to visit our facility and
enjoy the benefits it has to offer. We were also pleased to host a group of inner city youth from the
Boyle Street Centre in Edmonton. In total this summer we have had over 200 individuals visit the dock!
In support of SCIFs missions on a global scale, our Chapter was extremely pleased to be involved in the
delivery of numerous Blue Bags this past year. One was sent to Colombia, two to Africa, and 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 April 2015. This course was
offered free of charge to youth 12 to 17 years of age, with 8 youth participants and 3 volunteers from
our Board of Directors participating.
The Drayton Valley Chapter of Safari Club International is very proud to continue their support of the
National Archery in Schools Program (NASP). Over the past year we maintained our current commitment
to the program by way of supporting needed upgrades to current school participants kits. We also
provided a kit to the Holy Trinity school and look forward to them coming on board this school year!
Of significant mention is our involvement in the coordination of the 2015 NASP Provincial Shoot right
here in Drayton Valley in partnership with the Brazeau Bowbenders and AHEIA. This shoot saw over
900+ youth archers congregate at the Omniplex over a four day period. It was an amazing event and we
look forward to continued involvement in hosting the 2016 Provincial Shoot! Drayton Valley is easily
on its way to being one of the most involved and recognized NASP communities in Alberta. Since its
inception our Chapter has committed in excess of $80,000 toward the NASP program. It is our hope
that this program brings a new level of enjoyment to those students who may not have had the chance
to shoot target archery equipment, and that our local youth’s participation in the program may spark
an enjoyment for the outdoors and all that it has to offer! Our goal is that this outdoor educational
opportunity will impact children for years to come and raise awareness for Safari Club International and
its educational efforts. The NASP Program is a great addition to our educational system and we hope it
brings great enjoyment to all involved!
Over the past year our conservation efforts have focused on the Woodland Caribou which are on the federally
listed species at risk. Our focal point on this project has been within the Willamore/Hinton area. In addition
we have financially supported the Safari Club International Foundation in their efforts to safeguard hunter
rights and champion wildlife conservation and outdoor education projects on a global scale.
To you, our members and supporters we thank you for your many contributions. It is your commitment
and support of the SCI Drayton Valley Chapter that has contributed to the accomplishments that have
been achieved. If you are not yet a member of SCI, please do consider joining SCI tonight to help the
only organization that will protect your freedom to hunt.