About us

Our Mission

Our mission is to alleviate human and animal suffering by providing volunteers that deliver hands-on assistance to the public affected by a local tragedy. With the growing challenges of weather-related disasters and other socioeconomic conditions, we direct our charity toward achieving a universal good, designed for the benefit of individual communities. Our support teams provide relief from hunger, extreme cold and heat, or a lack of any other basic need. We achieve this by re-establishing the core foundations of the community.

How Will We Do That?

1. Recruit and train volunteers

Identify individuals in our communities who are passionate about helping others and would be willing to volunteer their time and skills to alleviate human and animal suffering. All volunteers will take an orientation/training session to equip them with the necessary skills to provide hands-on assistance during local tragedies.

4. Raise funds

Fundraising efforts will support our charity's activities, including the purchase of necessary supplies and equipment. We will host events and solicit donations from individuals and businesses in our communities.

2. Establish partnerships

Build relationships with local nonprofits, and other organizations that respond to disasters in their community. Bring together like-minded folks and collaborate with them to coordinate efforts and maximize impact. These groups can become Guardians while maintaining their own identities.

5. Focus on sustainability

Ultimately, we plan on sustaining our charity's activities for the long term. This will include developing a network of community partners and volunteers, establishing stable funding sources, and building a strong organizational structure.

3. Develop response plans

Develop response plans that outline how our charity will respond to various local tragedies, including weather-related disasters and socioeconomic conditions. These plans will outline the roles and responsibilities of volunteers, identify necessary resources, and establish communication protocols.

Meet our Board

As a dedicated member of the board of Guardians Emergency Response Association, my journey and experiences have shaped my commitment to community service. Starting in Northern Ontario, I later settled in Fort McMurray, Alberta, in 1964. For over three decades, I proudly served as part of the Fort McMurray Fire Department, specifically within the communications branch, while also being an active member of the IAFF Local 249.
Throughout my career, I continually sought opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills. One such opportunity arose when I was posted for six months at the Regional Emergency Operations Centre, where I gained invaluable insights into emergency management and response. During my time at the fire hall, I also acquired first responder training, enhancing my ability to provide immediate assistance during critical situations. Additionally, I embraced the chance to ride along on ambulance calls whenever my schedule allowed, further deepening my understanding of the complexities of emergency care.
Driven by my passion for community safety, I joined the Anarchist Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, contributing my expertise and collaborating with fellow volunteers to ensure the well-being of our community. Following the passing of my husband in 2011, I made the decision to relocate to Osoyoos, carrying with me the enduring dedication to service that defined my previous experiences.
Now, as a member of the board, I draw upon the wealth of knowledge and diverse experiences acquired throughout my journey. With a steadfast commitment to our organization's mission, I strive to make a positive impact, honor the memories of those I've lost, and work towards a better future for the communities we serve.

Championing Compassionate Action
As a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder of Business Impact, Wes Kowalchuk brings over two decades of strategic growth and leadership experience to the Guardians for Humanity Board. Known for his ability to turn vision into action, Wes has dedicated his career to fostering abundance in business, enabling enterprises to thrive through ingenuity and resilience.
Grounded in the belief that every individual holds the potential to make a significant impact, Wes now channels this conviction toward the betterment of society as a Guardian. Drawing from his journey of scaling a service business from $700K to $2.5 million within 24 months, and that of many clients he has helped to do the same, he understands the power of united efforts and the profound effects of strategic planning and execution in the face of adversity.
His role within the Guardians for Humanity extends beyond board meetings and strategic oversight; Wes is passionately involved in cultivating partnerships, engaging with volunteers, and spearheading fundraising initiatives that are crucial to the charity's mission. As a guardian for those in need, Wes believes in proactive compassion—a commitment to act before tragedy strikes, ensuring a safer and brighter future for all.
Wes's mantra, 'creating world abundance one business at a time,' reflects his broader mission to instill hope and stability within vulnerable communities. As a board member, Wes is not only a strategist and an advisor but also a hands-on leader who stands at the forefront of change, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a Guardian for humanity.

Alison is a Director and the founder of the Guardians Emergency Response Association
She is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of identifying and capitalizing on business opportunities. She prides herself on her ability to think outside the box and bring innovative ideas to the table. With a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset, she thrives on taking calculated risks to achieve success.
Her greatest strength is recognizing opportunities for improvement and implementing unique ways to increase functionality and profitability. She has a natural talent for identifying and capitalizing on market gaps, leading to successful ventures and increased revenue.
Now, she’s channelling these skills and resources toward the greater good by being actively involved with the Guardians Emergency Response Association, a charity for the love of humanity. She is passionate about using her entrepreneurial expertise to make a positive impact in our communities.
She strongly believes in the power of collaboration and teamwork to achieve success, both in business and in philanthropy. She commits to working with others to create innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges.

As a member of the board of Guardians Emergency Response Association, I bring over 20 years of experience as an Industrial First Aid attendant. Additionally, I dedicated 15
years of my life to serving as a volunteer Firefighter, during which time I received extensive training in various areas such as highway rescue, wildland fire suppression,
Initial attack, and eventually held the esteemed position of Rapid Intervention Team member. I also possess a background as a surgical nurse, although my employment in this field
was terminated due to mandates. For more than 25 years, I have worked in security roles for licensed establishments, gaining valuable expertise in maintaining safety and
order. At the end of May, I am scheduled to undertake my Basic Security Technician exam to further enhance my qualifications.
Furthermore, I have a wealth of experience driving various vehicles, including semitractors pulling b trains, Greyhound buses, and Fire Engines during my tenure in the fire departments. Notably, I hold a Class 1 driver's license.
These diverse experiences have equipped me with a well-rounded skill set and a deep understanding of safety protocols, making me a valuable asset to the board in fulfilling our organization’s mission and objectives.