To mark 70 years volunteering, Central Okanagan Search and Rescue is hosting a party on Oct. 5. 

The volunteer organization dates back to 1954 when a group mobilized to search for a little girl who went missing during a family camping trip. 

A successful search for the girl displayed the need for a search organization and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue was born. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly proud to reach this milestone,鈥� said COSAR President Brad Trites. 鈥淥ur volunteers have been at the heart of this organization, showing an unshakable commitment to rescuing and reassuring. This celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the courage, dedication and humility that has defined COSAR since its inception.鈥� 

The community is welcomed to celebrate with the team from 1 to 4 p.m. at the location on Old Vernon Road. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e had incredible support from the community over the years,鈥� Trites added. 鈥淭his event is also a way to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has stood by us鈥攚hether as a volunteer, a supporter, or someone we鈥檝e had the privilege of rescuing. It鈥檚 truly a celebration of the community spirit that makes everything we do possible.鈥�