Langley – Every day, firefighters face challenges and situations that most people never want to encounter: car accidents, medical traumas, fires, gas leaks, and floods. Responding to emergencies and helping people who are hurt, trapped, and scared is what they do.
But caring for people in their community is not just their job – it is who they are.
“There are any number of reasons a person looks to become a firefighter, the common denominator being a desire to help their friends, family, and neighbours,” said Jhim Burwell, a member of the Township of Langley Firefighters’ Charitable Society (TLFCS). “Our work is based on very personal, very human interactions, and that kind of interaction is compelling. It shows that there are many ways to help your community, and drives you to want to find more ways to improve the lives of your neighbours and friends.”
To enhance local firefighters’ capacity to assist the people they protect, the TLFCS was launched in 2012. The Charitable Society focuses on the benevolent activities of the Township’s professional firefighters by raising funds for those in need, with the support of paid-call members of the department.
This fall, that spirit of giving will be taken to a new level when Township firefighters team up with the Mayor’s Office to present a new community fundraising event that will benefit local charities and initiatives. The first annual Mayor’s Charitable Gala will be held Saturday, September 22 by Township firefighters, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 4550, Mayor Jack Froese, and Township Council. The event, a Farm to Table Fall Festival that will include a gourmet dinner, special musical guests, entertainment and activities, and fun, fundraising opportunities, will be hosted by Darvonda Nurseries.
Proceeds from the 2018 Mayor’s Charitable Gala will go to the Langley Memorial Hospital Emergency Department and other charities supported by the TLFCS.
Tickets go on sale June 1 at tlfcs.org and sponsorships are being sought to make the evening a huge success. To help out, email gala2018@iaff4550.org.
