Firefighters and other first responders in the Comox Valley were honoured on Saturday, Sept. 23 at a barbeque fundraiser in Courtenay.
The Comox Valley ATV Club put on the fundraiser, which featured a free BBQ lunch for first responders (others paid $5 per plate).
“We just want to say thanks to all the firefighters putting their lives at risk for us,” said ATV Club member Ted Meszaros, who organized the event. “They don’t get as much recognition as they need. And we want to give it to them by giving them delicious food.”
Along with the barbeque, the fundraiser included live music from a singer/guitar player, face painting for kids and a 50/50 draw.
While recognizing emergency first responder groups was the fundraiser’s focus, the $1,463 in proceeds will go towards the You Are Not Alone (YANA) Society. YANA is a community organization that offers travel and accommodation funding to families in the Comox Valley that need to travel for medical reasons.
“We have a few friends in the family going through hard times and it really hits a spot for me to be able to help out those families in need,” Meszaros continued. It makes me feel that much better going to bed.”
This was the second time the now-annual fundraiser took place. Last year the ATV Club raised about $460 for YANA.
“My goal was to beat that by even a dollar but before we even started this year, we were already $300 over [last year’s total],” said Meszaros.
