-BY JENNIFER ARGUE, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
June 27th, 2022
The fundraiser began in March and is on its 14th draw. 30% of the proceeds of tickets purchased in a fire department’s name going directly to the department, 20% to the Association of Fire Chiefs and 50% to the lucky winner.
“This is a brilliant fundraiser for the fire department...for every ticket sold in our name, the fire department receives 30% of the proceeds...regardless of who wins.”
Sheri Pederson with the NDFC said it’s a win-win. “It’s a win for the people participating. It’s a win for all of the fire departments.”
So far, there are 92 Saskatchewan fire departments involved in the fundraiser. The first jackpot took in a whopping $122,020, and the lucky winner took home $61,010.
While subsequent draws haven’t been nearly as high, Mike Kwasnica, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs, said they have expanded how they are getting the word about the draw. “We signed up with CJWW to have ring the bell Wednesday. They will run a 15 second ad every hour on the Wednesday of the draw.”
NDFC plans to purchase new equipment and upgrade other equipment.
Their wishlist includes - jaws of life for vehicle accidents, Fire protection gear for new volunteer firefighters and a rapid response unit such as a quad or a four-wheel-drive truck to get to areas of a grass fire the truck might not be able to access.
Draws are every Wednesday at the Regina Beach Fire Hall.
Note: These reports are abridged for content
