Oct 22. 2025

At North West, the strength of our communities is of utmost importance. Supporting disaster preparedness and emergency response through meaningful partnerships and local fundraising efforts is advancing this important work in Sitka, Alaska.

This July, our AC Lakeside team raised funds for the Sitka Volunteer Fire Department at its 20th annual fundraiser event, ‘Super Saturday,’ supporting fire rescue and emergency medical services in the region.

Later this September, volunteers from the store and the United States Coast Guard (USCG), together with local businesses, hosted “SHARK Dogs,” a community fundraiser that raised $1,000 to support SHARK’s mission.

Pictured above: Store manager Vince Winter presents a cheque to Darryl Ault, President of Sitka Ham Amateur Radio Klub (SHARK), alongside Supervisor Zaida Molina.

The Sitka Ham Amateur Radio Klub (SHARK) is a group of dedicated ham radio operators who strengthen Sitka’s emergency communications by setting up and maintaining radio equipment throughout the community. Their current project, a Communication Center Trailer, will serve as a critical lifeline during disasters, reconnecting remote areas with law enforcement, fire rescue, and other emergency services, supporting search and rescue efforts, disaster relief, and more.

“Over the past four years, we’ve supported this project through fundraisers,” said Store Manager Vince Winter. “SHARK has been instrumental during emergencies when conventional communication systems fail—such as major internet or cell outages. This trailer will bring a sense of security to our remote island community.”