The annual car wash event hosted by Bradford firefighters this past Saturday in the Canadian Tire parking lot brought in over $3,000 for charity.
This year’s event was a combined effort of both The Bradford Professional Fire Fighters' Association and the Bradford Volunteer Firefighters Association, who all donated their time under the hot sun, scrubbing and hosing down cars, as they collected donations for their charity accounts.
“It was a real steady and beautiful day for it!” shared Chris Langford, a full-time firefighter with Bradford since 2007. “A lot of people coming through with kids that are really excited about it – lots of smiles – we can’t complain. And it’s nice to have both groups working together for charity.”
‘Sparky’ the fire dog was seen on Holland street waving to cars driving by who honked in support of the cause. For a donation, residents drove their vehicles through the lot for a wash between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“We put this money into our charity account and then we have that resource available for when someone in town needs it,” explained Langford. “Muscular Dystrophy is one of the big ones we donate to every year.”
The charity car washes have been ongoing for the past decade and are among many fundraising efforts organized by the associations.
Jeff Torcato, president of the Bradford Volunteer Firefighter Association, shared that in the past they have donated to MS (multiple sclerosis), Big Brothers and Sisters of York, Southlake Hospital, Brain Injury Canada, Canadian Cancer Society, and A Bradford Christmas, just to name a few.
The associations have also donated to community members on an individual need basis such as Bradford student Daleyn MacIsaac who was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and needs a kidney transplant, and 11-year-old Mason Donkin who has Chiari malformation.
“We try to keep the money within the community,” said Torcato. “We raise the money throughout the year – car washes, food drives – and then we put it to a vote… it’s been successful for the past while now.”
In total, the firefighters’ car wash raised in excess of $3,000 dollars on Saturday. Torcato adds that having a new square-reader (wireless, mobile debit machine) this year pulled in an additional $250.
“This was our first time having a square (reader) and it brought in extra money we wouldn’t have had,” he said.
Both associations were happy to partner with Canadian Tire again this year where owner Mark Sheeler makes an additional donation back to the Firefighter Association every year.
Local company ‘Battlefield Equipment Rentals’ also aided in the firefighter car wash by donating a digital sign that was used to advertise and direct cars into the lot on Saturday. Torcato notes the sign will come in handy for future events as well.
“If things are better next year, we will do two car washes and have a bigger event,” said Torcato, adding they would like to have entertainment and a bouncy castle for next year’s event.
“A big thank you to Canadian Tire and Mark, and Battlefield Rentals and the community for all their support this year!” said Torcato.
