For the second year in a row, Cochrane Fires Service members are banding together for veteran brethren as they roll up their turnout sleeves to collect cans.
With three of their own fire service members being veterans, the close ties between military servicemen and those fighting fires is apparent and enough to motivate fundraising efforts for the Veterans Food Bank.
“We have to support them as best as we can … it crosses a lot of paths, as we currently have three guys who used to be in military service,” said organizing firefighter Dave Levisky, who is hoping for a boost in donations over the next couple of days before Remembrance Day.
Levisky said the goal is to raise $1,500 in cash and five truckloads of food – a similar goal to what was trucked down to the food bank last year.
He explained the initiative also serves as a reminder that full plates and basic amenities are not the only items veterans need.
“There are deeper issues than simply food and money,” he said, highlighting the need for improved mental health services, PTSD awareness and better services to assist veterans in reintegration into the community.
Cochrane artist MJ Stead was also inspired to once again donate her time and artistic talents to the cause – an original 18x24 inch acrylic painting of poppies to be auctioned off to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to the cause.
“I love the idea of a painting that is a constant reminder, in a gentle way … this painting was really conceived through intuition, as I wanted to keep it simple and poignant,” said Stead.
“Sometimes less is more … I paint from my heart without preconceived notions.”
Bidding can be done at the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre where the painting is on display until Nov. 10 at noon. It will then move to the Cochrane Legion until Remembrance Day at 2 p.m. Bids can also be made at Facebook/MJS Art.
Last year, Stead raised $300 for her poppy painting for veterans.
So far, around $1,000 has been raised through the 3 Peaks Firefighter StairClimb. The arduous challenge has Levisky, along with firefighter Jason Hamel and Cpt. Martin Reuter stepping up the four-storey practice tower at the Cochrane Fire Services building.
This week, each of the three will be finishing up their steps to achieve their goals of climbing the equivalent of the three biggest peaks in the world – Mount Everest, Mount Kangchenjunga and K2 for an ambitious total of 86,000 feet and additional steps for each donation given prior to end of the day tomorrow (Nov. 10).
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/3peaksstairclimb or stop by the fire hall to top up the non-perishable bin in front. Team members are also ready to pick up from doorsteps.
For more details email [email protected] or phone 403-837-2363.
