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Local firefighters lend helping hand to social profits

The Fort McMurray Firefighters Charities Association donated $35,000 to five non-profit organizations in Wood Buffalo.

The Boys and Girls Club, Fort McMurray SPCA, Wood Buffalo Food Bank, The Centre of Hope, and Waypoints will each receive $7000.

IAFF Local 2494 Union President Rob van Hecke said the Association saw firsthand the increased demands placed on non-profits.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic and the flooding also pose challenges.

“As Firefighters, our role in the community extends beyond our daily duties at the fire hall. Historically, firefighters have been active in the communities in which we serve, and our Charities group helps us do just that.”

The Charities group is a sub-committee in the Firefighters Association, who represents 170 full-time IAFF Firefighters in the local Fire Department.

Scott Germain is a local firefighter and Charities member.

He said health restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic made fundraising quite the challenge.

“This year, we experienced our own challenges that limited our ability to fundraise – we even had to cancel our well recognized Rooftop Campout. Regardless of some of these hurdles, however, we are proud to have raised $35,000.”

Germain added over the last 10 years, the Fort McMurray Firefighters Charities Association donated $750,000 to the five social profits.

The Charities group also sells calendars with photos of local firefighters in support of local non-profits.