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New roof for Campbell River air cadet hangar

The Campbell River Air Youth Association (CRAYA) has owned the hangar in which the air cadets parade since 1987 and it was time for a new roof.
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The new Campbell River Air Cadet hangar roof being installed by 3G Roofing Ltd.

The Campbell River Air Youth Association (CRAYA) has owned the hangar in which the air cadets parade since 1987 and it was time for a new roof.

Over the past seven years, smaller leaks got bigger, mold started to form on the classroom ceiling, leaks around the propane heater..it all started to add up to what they now know was the best Christmas gift they could have ever imagined.

CRAYA started saving money, had a huge summer raffle tickets sale with fantastic prizes donated by E&B Helicopter, 49 North & Grizzly Helicopters. Although they did well, they were only about halfway to getting a new roof.

Allison Kilby, owner of Pioneer Home Hardware Building Centre, came to the rescue and donated all the materials needed for them to get a metal roof good for the next 40-50 years.

The installation contractor, 3G Roofing, offered CRAYA a deal on the installation and donated snow stops, a new gutter and downspouts on the north side of the building where the emergency doors are located.

Hangar maintenance is ongoing and not always easy to accomplish for a society which not only raises money for some of the cadet events and activities, but also pays for all cost associated with owning a building. The over 32-year-old hangar is showing its age. CRAYA is now saving money for new windows, more insulation in the attic, changing from septic to city sewer, washroom renovations, new building entrance, so it doesn’t go through a classroom and additional storage.

The Campbell River business community has helped CRAYA out by donating so many different items needed to aid the cadet program, building maintenance materials as well as money being donated annually to the society from the local RBC, Legion & Ladies Auxiliary, as well as individual donations. Thrifty Foods donates food for their events, which amounts to over a thousand dollars per year. Cadets enjoy a Mess Dinner with meat from Thrifty’s, party platters for the Annual Ceremonial Review and mountains of sandwiches for all cadets and volunteers during our Tag Day Events.

It is thanks to everybody’s combined efforts and their generosity that they now have a new roof!

The aim of the Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; stimulate an interest in air, land & sea activities of the Canadian Forces.

The Cadet Program is community based. The program succeeds through strong community support & involvement. Cadets in turn make valuable contributions to their community, many have become leaders and successful business people in Canada.

The Air Cadet Program in Campbell River for youth aged 12-18, offers a wide variety of exciting teams this year. Marksmanship, drill, first aid, orienteering, effective speaking, band and ground school are offered on top of the regular parade night. All cadets “get a taste” of flying in a glider and tow plane. If cadets are interested they may have the opportunity to become glider and power pilots or take courses for Aircraft Maintenance and Airfield Operations, to mention a few options.

Summer training is offered at 24 Cadet Summer Training Centres, some are located in unique settings throughout Canada.

Quote from CRAYA Chair Tanja Shields: This program has so much to offer! Cadets build lasting friendships, learn valuable career-enhancing skills that last a lifetime & it prepares them to become the leaders of tomorrow,” says CRAYA Chair Tanja Shields. “It is very gratifying to volunteer for our local Air Cadet Squadron and see how our cadets progress over the years.”

More information about this program can be found at www.cadets.ca or at the local website: www.363aircadets.wordpress.com