Local emergency personnel sure put the biscuit in the Helping Hand Food Bank basket Saturday night.
South Simcoe Police Association members took on Bradford Fire and Emergency Services staff in the 2024 Battle of the Badges at the BWG Leisure Centre April 6. More than 300 pounds of items and $1,580 were collected on site for Bradford’s food bank.
“We are incredibly grateful to our local fire and police services for hosting this fantastic event,” Helping Hand executive director Carolyn Khan said. “Food bank usage across the province has increased exponentially over the last few years and Bradford is no different with a more than 300 per cent increase in demand since 2020. Fundraising events like this one are crucial in helping us ensure that we can continue to provide supplementary groceries to those in need in our community.”
Bradford Fire won the game 6-1.
“The community of Bradford showed up in a big way, by not only supporting those of us who played in the game, but also by supporting a crucial organization that supports our community as a whole on a daily basis,” Bradford Fire’s Andrew Sibbald said, before recognizing the efforts of police and fire personnel in executing the fundraiser. “Lastly, I want to thank the businesses and residents of Bradford, for supporting such a great event in what will become the building block for future charity events.”
The game was free to attend, though visitors were encouraged to bid on several items in the silent auction and participate in the Perfect SZN Chuck-a-Puck contest.