Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – The Sooke Firefighter’s Association and IAFF Local 4841 Charitable Giving Campaign launches today, with a goal to support 400 local families! The campaign is delivered in partnership with the Sooke Christmas Bureau, the District of Sooke, Western Foods, and Village Foods.
A goal has been set for $15,000, approximately one dollar per resident to reach 400 local families in need. The value of each monetary donation will be matched through the purchasing power of the Sooke Food Bank thanks to local support from Western Foods and Village Foods. Those who are able to contribute are asked to do so through this Go Fund Me page, set up by Sooke Firefighter’s Association and IAFF Local 4841 on behalf of the Sooke Christmas Bureau.
“The pandemic has greatly impacted people: financially and emotionally,” says Mayor Maja Tait. “As a community, it is important for us to support one another, and between this campaign and the Santa Run, I hope we are able to do so.”
The campaign is led by local firefighters who volunteer their time for both the fundraiser and Santa Run.
A community tradition will continue
Plans for the Sooke Santa Run, a capstone of the Sooke Firefighters Charitable Giving Campaign, that warms the hearts of families is set to continue while taking shape slightly differently this year. On December 12th, starting at dusk, four fire trucks decorated with bright and colourful Christmas lights, playing festive holiday will drive through neighbourhoods to spread holiday cheer.
Residents may be used to providing food contributions during the run, are asked not to do so this year. “The community of Sooke is incredibly generous. As we adapt our operations during the pandemic, we do not have the capacity to handle the influx of contributions received and kindly asked those who are wishing to donate to do so through the Go Fund Me Campaign that the Sooke Firefighter’s Association and IAFF Local 4841 has organized,” shares Ben Molesky co-chair of the Sooke Christmas Bureau.
To learn more about the Santa Run and to donate to this year’s campaign, please visit sooke.ca/santa.
“Continuing with the Santa Run provides a safe and responsible way to enjoy the spirit of the holidays,” shares Tait.
Those in need are asked to apply before December 1st
The Sooke Christmas Bureau is encouraging families and individuals who need an extra hand this upcoming holiday season to apply for their Christmas hampers by December 1st by calling the Sooke Food Bank at call 250-642-7666.
Over its 27-year history, the campaign has supported over 6,000 families.
Media contact:
Ben Temple, Secretary, Sooke Fire Fighters IAFF 4841
email: secretary@iaff4841.org
