A community came out in force to support the search and rescue volunteers whose professionalism and bravery impressed people across the world.

Fernie and District Search and Rescue raised $13,600 at the team's annual adventure auction fundraiser last Saturday - thousands of dollars more than last year's $7,000 total.

The annual event came three weeks after the volunteer team co-ordinated its largest avalanche search effort, rescuing three avalanche survivors and recovering the bodies of eight Sparwood men who died in avalanches at 29 Mile Creek in the Fernie backcountry.

Supporters packed into The Pub at Park Place Lodge where some prizes were given away in ticket draws, others were put into silent auction while bidders battled for larger prizes in a live auction run by the night's host, Fernie City Councillor Kevin Mclsaac.

Prizes ranged from a weed whacker to a day snowmobiling, canoe paddles and even a heated dog bed.

The night's total also includes a donation of $3,300 from the Fernie 3300 club, and a donation of $1,000 from a worker`s union in Sparwood.

The event's success means the team are closer to reaching their goal of $25,000 for a new rescue truck, to replace their old one which is 18 years old.

The $25,000 will supplement a grant from the BC Gaming Commission and the team is now considering finance options in the hope they can get the new equipment on the road even sooner.

Search and rescue director Simon Piney said: "It was great - there were a lot of people just there to support the search and rescue which was fantastic to see."

"We got deluged with businesses offering prizes, from the big companies in town to some really small businesses. I think almost every restaurant in town offered vouchers."

"We had amazing Support from all the people we approached and also a lot more who came forward by themse1ves."

Piney said there has been a lot of support and good will towards the search and rescue team since international publicity surrounding the incident on Dec, 28.

He added: "I guess search and rescue is always there in the background but when a big incident happens people are reminded of it and are happy to know it is there."