Guest sprung into action last month in support of the Burnaby Firefighters’ Charitable Society‘s annual fundraiser gala.
About 325 people attended the April 18 event at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown. The event, which celebrated its 23rd year, is the main fundraiser for the local firefighters’ charitable society.
This year, more than $70,000 was raised and organizers couldn’t be happier, said Rob Lamoureux, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 323, which represents firefighters in Burnaby and organizes the annual event.
“We had a very supportive crowd who was there to spend some money. It was pretty obvious based on how our live auction number was up, that kind of thing,” he said.
The live auction was a great success as well, Lamoureux added.
To everyone’s surprise, ViaRail donated a second round-trip vacation package to Jasper after the first package sold in minutes for $5,000. The second package went for about the same amount, raising $10,000 for the charitable society.
“The whole evening went very well. We all received a lot of compliments. Jill Krop, as an MC, just did a fabulous job for us,” he added
The money raised at the event is used throughout the year by the charitable society to support its ongoing programs, including the nutritional snack program and CPR course for high school students. Some of the money is also donated to various local organizations, including the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, St. Michael's Hospice, Burnaby Family Life, Burnaby Seniors Outreach Society, South Burnaby Neighbourhood House, Burnaby Christmas Bureau, and dry grad celebrations at Burnaby secondary schools.
“We’re just more than thrilled with everything we got through our sponsorship and everything like that. It kind of exceeded expectations in that way,” Lamoureux said.
For more information on the Burnaby Firefighters’ Charitable Society, visit www.burnabyfirefighters.com.
