Victoria, Saanich, Esquimalt, Oak Bay, Langford, Colwood and View Royal firefighters and staff spent more than four hours on the streets Monday (Sept. 11) gathering funds to support their counterparts facing devastating wildfire impacts.
“It is in our culture as firefighters to show up and help, both on the job and also off shift. Usually, it is within our own respective cities, towns and municipalities, but when disaster strikes we often disregard borders and band together as family to overcome immeasurable odds. This year especially, watching what firefighters have been doing in regions affected by wildfire has been nothing but astonishing,” Victoria Fire posted on social media, thanking all firefighters for holding the line and looking after communities.
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Local firefighters called on their communities, affording folks a way to help by canvassing in partnership with businesses in the region. The seven south Island fire departments raised $19,636 to be split between the communities of West Kelowna and Maui. The funds will go to the International Association of Fire Fighters Locals of West Kelowna and Maui to be dispersed.
“The disastrous effects of fire have scarred these areas and we hope this donation will help in some small way,” the online statement reads.
