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Shown, left to right, are Dejan Gut (Vice-President, Part-time Firefighters' Association), Jonathon Kadler (President, Part-time Firefighters' Association), Jessica Bigknife (Battlefords Trade and Education Centre representative), Robert Beatch (Treasurer, Part-time Firefighters' Association).  (submitted photo/Jonathon Kadler)
Sandbag support

Fire department group shows support with sandbag fundraiser

Apr 12, 2019 | 10:18 AM

Spring means sandbags for those residing near water sources.

The need for sandbags turned into a fundraising idea for members of the North Battleford Part-Time Firefighters’ Association.

“A lot of businesses purchased from us, so (they) really helped out with it,” said President Jonathon Kadler, who is also a part-time firefighter.

The organization took over the effort from the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre (BTEC) that previously ran the sandbag program.

The organization raised about $1,500 from the project, from the end of November, 2018, to now, in its first year with the initiative. Members sold about 280 sandbags in the community. From the money raised, $1,000 will benefit BTEC with the remainder donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Battlefords.

“We’re hoping with this coming year we’ll start a lot earlier,” Kadler said. “Then, we’ll potentially be able to raise a lot more.”

While the project helps the community, Kadler said it’s a good team-building exercise.

“This bought all of the part-time association together. We had to make the bags together, sell the bags together, so it was very good for our organization as well,” he said.

The group is now looking at starting a summer fundraiser so they can continue to be involved in community service work.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

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