 |
|
|
|
|
  
|
Fire department holds third annual fundraiser Darrell Greer Northern News Services Published Wednesday, May 9, 2012
The Rankin fire department is the only one in the Kivalliq to hold a major fundraiser to improve its operations.
The department currently has 13 members, six of whom also do ambulance duty.
Rankin Fire Chief Ambrose Karlik said the department's first two raffles were profitable and he hopes the third does as well. He said a major portion of the proceeds from the past two raffles have been spent on upgrading the department's equipment.
"Better equipment allows us to do a better job, both when responding to a fire incident or when answering an ambulance call," said Karlik.
"Our top prizes this year are two ATVs, and we also have a number of other prizes including a 51-inch TV, barbecue, portable generator and a (seven-time Stanley Cup winner) Bryan Trottier autographed New York Islanders jersey donated to us by Jim Ramsay of Arctic Connections in Winnipeg.
"Everyone in our department helps with the raffle in one way or another, but we don't let any of them or their direct family members enter the draw."
Karlik said the raffle tickets went on sale this week and the prize draw will be held at the community hall on Canada Day, July 1.
He said the department may add another prize or two before this year's draw date, and hopes to feature a new truck as the top prize in the 2013 raffle.
"We're looking at a few other possibilities, including having some type of autographed memorabilia from Don Cherry.
"This raffle has grown to be very important to the department, and we're proud of the improvements we've been able to make to our equipment because of it.
"We'd like to thank the community for supporting the past raffles and, hopefully, this year's will be our most successful one so far.
"It's a chance to win some great prizes and help do something good for your community at the same time."
|
