In addition to protecting the region from fires and providing first response at emergency scenes, local professional firefighters have a charitable group that gives back to the community wherever need is found, according to Powell River Fire Rescue public educator Tricia Greenwood.
“Our crews go out to people’s houses all the time,” she said. “We see there’s need out there and want to help with that.” Powell River Professional Firefighters Charitable Society is a non-profit volunteer run group that started in 1994. It brought together local paramedics and professional firefighters to raise funds to support other local charities and purchase necessary emergency equipment. One of its newer programs provides food to local schools.
“We started last year and we’re slowly growing as we’re capable, and as the need is there,” said Greenwood.
Currently, food is delivered to Westview Elementary, Brooks Secondary and Henderson Elementary schools.
At Henderson, the donation helped an already existing breakfast program expand to include lunch and provide more variety and healthier options, according to principal Kristen Brach. The food has benefited the entire school, she said.
“It’s been a great program,” said Brach. “I’ve absolutely noticed the difference in our students.”
Each day a group of staff and students work together to prepare the food, which is then made available to everyone, no questions asked. Access to proper nutrition is a vital component in a child’s success, said Brach.
“In order for a student to be able to learn they have to have their basic needs met and food is definitely one of them,” she added. At Westview Elementary, the food donations are used in a popular breakfast program, while at Brooks they aim to provide portable snacks for students on the move, said Greenwood.
“At Brooks we bring them easy fixings like granola bars, yogurt and fruit,” she added.
Funding for all these programs comes from firefighters through payroll deductions, as well as through donations from individuals, businesses and corporations.
In addition to the food programs, the society supports the BC Professional Firefighters Burn Fund.
“We’ve had a number of individuals in Powell River who have stayed at the burn house, where people can go if they’re having treatments done, and family can stay there,” said Greenwood. “The society has supported people to be there, and also the burn fund, so they could build the centre and maintain it.”
The society also supports Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and individuals in need. Giving back is part of the ethos of firefighters, said Greenwood.
“I grew up in Powell River and had the opportunity to have an amazing job that allows me to give back. It’s so important that we do that.”
Powell River Professional Firefighters Charitable Society is now able to accept donations online through its website at powellriverfirefighters.ca.
