The Oak Bay Firefighters Charitable Foundation is ready make a swift shift to fundraising for families in the community.
Banking on popularity and interest, the organization’s first official raffle includes three massive prizes - Taylor Swift tickets among them.
The rest to be revealed ahead of the official Aug. 2 launch date.
“We’re doing this specifically for the youth to help with the cost of extracurricular activities … things that can help a youth grow and thrive, create a draw that will fund them through different programs,” said executive director Trent Frenkel. “We’re trying to allow these families to have the opportunities without the financial burden.”
Looking to build a fund it can draw from, they embarked on the arduous task of getting a gaming license and sourcing worthy prizes.
“The support was just overwhelming,” Frenkel said. “When you start looking toward the youth and different things people are struggling with … I think a lot of people can really get on board when you’re looking to help them out and give them better opportunities.”
While the raffle is new for these firefighters, fundraising is not.
The organization earned official charitable status in 2012 and since then has supported programs locally and across the province. They’re part of ongoing aid to the Professional Firefighters’ Burn Fund and have seven remaining years in the current 10-year commitment (alongside other departments in the region) to raise $250,000 for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
In Oak Bay, the membership has donated to Oak Bay Sea Rescue, built and installed a bike station, supported one-off fundraisers such as the outdoor classroom at Monterey and supported the longstanding Greater Victoria holiday initiative Santas Anonymous. Other annual hyper local causes include endowments to the Carnarvon Ball Club and four Oak Bay High bursaries.
Oak Bay Firefighters also launched a new logo recently – featuring a stylized flaming heart.
"As firefighters dedicated to more than just fighting fires, our foundation has long been a pillar of support, aiding those in need and championing local causes that matter most," reads a social media post announcing the change. "We believe in the power of symbolism. Our new logo not only embodies our values of courage, compassion, and community but also signifies our evolving role in Oak Bay. It's a symbol of our ongoing dedication to making a positive impact and fostering a stronger, more resilient community."
The logo is designed to reflect commitment to serving the Oak Bay community, Frenkel said.
“Down the road I hope that becomes synonymous with giving and who we are as a foundation.”
The final raffle prizes will be revealed July 26 with ticket sales through a website that opens province-wide on Aug. 2.
