The morning of Sunday, April 10, was clear, cold and crisp, the perfect day for eight firefighters dressed in full gear to set out at approximately 10:30 a.m. from the Barriere fire hall to walk a 10 km route through the community of Barriere.
‘Full gear’ means the dry weight of a firefighter’s personal protective equipment, or PPE, which weighs in at about 60 lbs. This weight can easily increase to 80 lbs if a firefighter is attending a fire because the gear soaks up large amounts of water and sweat. If a fire hose is added to the gear the total weight is approximately 100 lbs.
Sunday’s 10 km trek was organized by the Barriere Firefighters Association, their annual ‘walk’ to raise funds for causes that are important to their association and to the community. The goal for 2022 has been set at $5,000, which will be divided 75 per cent to the Barriere and District Food Bank Society, and 25 percent to the Barriere Firefighter’s Association.
During the past few weeks area residents and businesses have been encouraged to donate to the fundraiser, and also invited to walk with the firefighters on their 10 km trek. A number of people accepted the invitation and joined the walk in support of the fundraiser.
”This is so generous,” said Doris Bruno, president of the Barriere and District Food Bank Society, as she prepared to join the firefighters on the walk.
Barriere firefighters started their walk from the fire hall at approximately 10:30 a.m., with two of fire engines and the Barriere First Responders ambulance following along behind on the pre-determined route. They traveled north along Barriere Town Road, making a number of detours through side streets and subdivisions, then returned coming in from the south side of Barriere Town Road at 1 p.m.
The firefighters proved their fitness and determination, and also enjoyed the event while working hard for an important cause within their community.
“A huge thank you to everyone who supported our walk this year and everyone who attended”, posted the Barriere Firefighters Association on social media later in the day.
The amount of funds raised during the event was not confirmed by press time.
Learn more about the Barriere Firefighters Association on Facebook, and you can still donate if you missed the Walk by sending an eTransfer to: BFFA.911@gmail.com. Learn more about the Barriere and District Food Bank Society on Facebook, call them at 250-672-0029, or email: barrierefoodbank@xplornet.com
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