KCR memorabilia search

In preparation for Kootenay Co-op Radio (KCR) celebrating 25 years of community radio, the Nelson-based station is calling out for archival materials and any ephemera that people might have.

People might have an old program schedule, T-shirt, poster, or annual report from an annual general meeting, said Stephanie Myers, spokesperson for the station.

“Whatever you might have the station would love to see it and share it on our social media,” she said in a press release.

KCR is in preparation for a few special events to celebrate its 25th anniversary, including a music event — the line-up to be announced — at the Royal on Thursday, Nov. 21.

The station has already hosted one (of many to come) live-to-air shows in the newly renovated basement at the station at 308A Hall St.

“These basement shows, dubbed the Sing Chong Sessions, in honour of the historic Chinatown building, are an eclectic representation of what the community and the station have to offer,” noted Adam O. Thomas, one of the KCR anniversary organizers.

Keep it going

For the rest of 2024 and into 2025 KCR will be commemorating their quarter century of broadcasting with multiple events.

These events are community celebrations in which everyone is welcome, whether people have a connection to KCR or not. These events are supported with the help of a grant from the Community Radio Fund of Canada.

KCR has had its challenges staying on the air but, overall, the station is thriving and this is due in no small part to its monthly members who financially support the station for as little as $5 a month.

“This sort of unrestricted funding allows the station’s staff to focus on quality programming and supporting the volunteer programmers and not spend time chasing funding just to keep the lights on and the mics powered,” said Thomas.

For those interested in becoming a monthly member, you can reach out to the station at (250) 352-9600.