This summer, Central Saanich firefighters will be doing more than fighting fires.
On Aug. 30, apart from fire education, first responder medical aid and emergency fire and rescue response — all of their usual duties — the team will also be fundraising for those less fortunate in the community.
Family Movie Night in Centennial Park, presented by the Central Saanich Firefighters Charitable Foundation will see all proceeds going to the foundation which they started this year.
This spring, the 42-member (37 volunteers) team, decided that they wanted to set up their own charitable foundation so they could have more options when it came to which charities to support.
“We really wanted to set something up where we could fundraise all year long and be able to dedicate the proceeds to various charities in need,” explained firefighter, Rob Syverson.
Usually, firefighters are dedicated to two major causes in their fundraising efforts, Muscular Dystrophy and The Firefighters Burn Fund.
“We will still be fundraising for those causes,” assured Syverson. “But this way, we have more flexibility in terms of being able to donate other funds to local charities when they are in need.”
The firefighters main goal for this year’s fundraised money will be to donate to the Sidney Lions Food Bank to help fill the holiday hampers.
Family movie night begins at 8:30 p.m. but residents are invited to arrive early for other entertainment like a bouncy castle, face painting, mascots and concession sales.
“We’re even going to have a popcorn machine like the ones at the movie theatre,” said Syverson. “We’re really excited, it should be a great night.”
For more information on the family movie night or any other events in Central Saanich, visit www.centralsaanich.com and click on “community events” under quick links.