Three union locals of the Public and Private Workers of Canada joined forces and distributed $12,000 to six fire departments within the South Cariboo on Thursday.
Fire Chief Roger Hollander of the 100 Mile Fire Rescue called it extremely surprising.
“We feel elated and very humbled. It’s not often that we receive donations per say and this is quite gracious and unexpected so it was quite nice.”
Hollander says although the Department is not certain what they will use the $2,000 for it, they will definitely put it to good to use.
“I’m speaking to the entire Cariboo-my colleagues, all of our departments strive for excellence and practice a lot but it’s very difficult to be prepared for a fire season unprecedented as has been documented,” he said.
“This was quite a season and I think very body learned quite a bit from this experience. In fact, it’s still happening as far of debriefs, and meetings where we’re making decisions where we can improve and get better and move forward from here.”
The $12,000 in donations to the six departments including Lac La Hache, and Interlakes came from PWWC Union Local 9 in Prince George, Local 18 from Mackenzie and Local 2 in Crofton.