Firefighters from across the region teamed up to cap-off 2018B次元官网网址檚 big charitable events.

Waiting for Santa to arrive for the finale of Miracle on Broad Street Dec.14, firefighters from Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay and Saanich reflected on why they give.

B次元官网网址淚 just think if you have the time to give back you should,B次元官网网址� said Esquimalt firefighter Kahill Homes.

B次元官网网址淎s firefighters I think weB次元官网网址檙e very fortunate in our communities for the jobs that we have, and the communities that we live in,B次元官网网址� added Victoria FireB次元官网网址檚 Ajay Leblanc. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e exposed every day to some of the people who are less fortunate, and so why wouldnB次元官网网址檛 step up and give back our time and try to fundraise some funds to help brighten somebody elseB次元官网网址檚 day?B次元官网网址�

Brian Swanson, director of Saanich FireB次元官网网址檚 Charitable Foundation says most of the philanthropic work done by Victoria firefighters is targeted at children and youth within each community. However, the annual Santas Anonymous fundraiser adds a more personal touch.

B次元官网网址淭his one we get to put a face on when weB次元官网网址檙e doing deliveries, put a face to the gifts and the time and the effort we put in on our own time,B次元官网网址� Swanson said.

B次元官网网址淲e do things throughout the year,B次元官网网址� agreed Jason Hodge, executive director of the Oak Bay Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation. B次元官网网址淓specially at Christmas time, it comes down to some people are less fortunate. If youB次元官网网址檝e got any extra money, why not donate it to a great cause?B次元官网网址�

Santa left the deer at home choosing to arrive for the Miracle on Broad Street in a firetruck. After a quick photo op, the four firefighters made their way inside to work the phone lines. Firefighters have always been a part of Santas Anonymous in Victoria, and this year donated $15,000 during the Miracle on Broad Street event. Although for Leblanc B次元官网网址� also vice-president of Santas Anonymous B次元官网网址� this particular philanthropic endeavour began before he joined the department.

B次元官网网址淪antas Anonymous has been something my familyB次元官网网址檚 done since I was a kid,B次元官网网址� Leblanc said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 amazing to get those hugs and see the tears of joy in the parentsB次元官网网址� eyes, knowing that they can provide Christmas to their kid.B次元官网网址�

jesse.laufer@oakbaynews.com
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