By Steven Smeall
CORNWALL, Ontario – Over 200 local residents arrived at the Metcalfe Centre last Friday in Maxville to support the fire department and their efforts to raise money for an off-road emergency vehicle (UTV).
And support they did.
Through the event’s activities, the North Glengarry Fire Department Maxville station was able to raise $12,000.
“We’re amazed but not surprised by the response of the community,” said Maxville deputy fire chief Simon Hardy. “It’s a great community and they’ve always been there to support us. We’re very grateful to everyone who has come out tonight.”
Hardy said that due to an increase of off-road calls and brush fires occurring in the township throughout the past few years, the Maxville station believes the UTV is a necessary purchase.
The fire department is hoping that the fundraiser will be completed by early June with the purchase of the UTV following that summer.
Tickets were $25 per person, and for every ticket sold, Scotiabank’s Maxville branch (who assisted in selling tickets) matched for a donation. Scotiabank made a $5,000 donation to the fire department.
Activities at the fundraiser included music entertainment from a Fridge Full of Empties as well as a silent auction which was a big success to those who attended. A pig roast dinner was also served at 7 p.m. to all the guests.
Maxville fire chief Greg McIlwain made this statement following the event:
“The North Glengarry Fire Department, Maxville Station would like to thank Maxville Scotiabank, businesses who contributed to the silent auction, and the community for their generous support in reaching their goal.
“Thank you as well to Paul Villeneuve and the Fridge Full of Empties for their entertainment. A good night was had by all.”
