The Cochrane Firefighters Association has donated $500 to support veterans, sparking a fundraising competition between two other departments.
It’s a friendly competition among the Airdrie, Cochrane and Kananaskis fire service departments with one clear winner: the Veterans’ Food Bank.
Cochrane senior firefighter Dave Levisky said the initiative began last week when he and his teammates picked up on the story floating on mainstream and social media channels that the Calgary Veterans’ Food Bank is in need of community assistance to fill its shelves and meet increased demand for services this year.
“In our department, we have three firefighters who are veterans,” said Levisky, adding that it’s not uncommon for veterans to enter police or fire service during the next chapter of their careers.
Levisky said when he and his team learned about the dire situation of the Calgary-based food bank it “hit home.” He added people assume safety nets are in place for veterans, which is often not the case.
Members of Cochrane Fire Services are also offering to pick up and deliver donations for anyone in the community who has mobility issues or needs help getting donations to the legion or the Veterans’ Food Bank.
For more information or to request assistance contact [email protected].
