Firefighters donate to local charities

Firefighters not only respond to emergencies and perform heroic feats — they also care greatly about their communities.

The Lake Country Fire Department Spring Training Organizing Committee wrapped up their 2019 event by donating to local organizations that provide a diverse range of services for families, veterans, dogs, and even to another volunteer fire department for the purchase of much-needed slope rescue equipment.

Outside of their regular duties, Lake Country firefighters, along with other first responders, are often seen in the community collecting donations for the local food bank during special campaigns and at events. The community was also aware the Lake Country Fire Department (LCFD) invited volunteer firefighters of all levels of experience to gather in Lake Country in May 2019 to be challenged physically and mentally during the annual Volunteer Firefighters Association of B.C. Spring Training event.

“This annual training event has been part of B.C. history, leading the way in providing hands-on training to firefighters all over B.C.,” said Steve Windsor, Fire Chief and Director of Protective Services for Lake Country.

“Our goal with the 2019 Spring Training event was to provide great training so each firefighter could bring some new techniques back to their department to share what they learned with their fellow first responders,” said Eric DeGelder, event organizer and LCFD Fire Inspector. “We are very pleased we were also able to donate some of the funds raised during the Lake Country event to local charities.”

The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, Easter Seals Camp Winfield, SPCA, Royal Canadian Legion Oyama Branch 189, and Apex Fire Department recently received a donation cheque from the Lake Country Fire Department 2019 Spring Training Organizing Committee as an expression of appreciation for the positive impact they have on the lives of others.