MANOR - The Manor & RM 63 Fire Department’s annual chili cookoff fundraiser March 19 took a backseat to the announcement of an incredibly generous donation.
Kingston Midstream, through the Richardson Foundation, has provided the fire department with a $50,000 grant. These funds will be used to build a 2,500-square foot addition onto their existing fire hall.
Kingston Midstream prides itself on emphasizing priority on maintaining strong relationships with the communities where they live and operate, supporting non-profit organizations, charities, fundraisers and community programming.
Over the past five years, they have contributed nearly one million dollars towards various projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The company is committed to the responsible and safe storage and transportation of one of the world’s most vital commodities.
Kingston Midstream has a field office in Carlyle and employs many people in southeast Saskatchewan.
Deputy Fire Chief Kent Lees was ecstatic after hearing the news.
“Our existing fire hall was originally built to house three trucks. We now have a main pumper truck, a secondary pumper, a tanker and two wildland units. It is presently a tight fit for all five. To get vehicles out during an emergency, the limited space causes many delays, wasting valuable response time,” said Lees.
“We are currently looking to expand our hall in order to resolve this issue and ensure a more efficient process with responding to a call. We are committed to protecting our community and responding to emergencies as quickly as possible. Seconds can save lives.”
Added Fire Chief Brayden Rowley: “The total cost of this expansion is estimated to be $215,000 and with this generous donation we are well on our way. Thank you Kingston Midstream for your tremendous support.”
Treasurer Lucille Dunn was pleased with the night’s chile cookoff fundraiser, which will now become an annual event.
“We had a good turnout and from tonight’s sale of supper, refreshments, raffle tickets, and silent auction items, we raised over $7,000. Thank you to all our sponsors who donated many great prizes and to all those that attended. It was a great event.”
A reminder to all that the final draw for the Fire Department’s Chase the Ace fundraiser takes place March 25. Tickets can be purchased via e-transfer.
After all the votes were tallied, veteran firefighter Taylor Hoey won the homemade chili cookoff. He, the Village of Manor, and the Manor & RM 63 Fire Department had a very good night.
