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$10k donated to West Kelowna Professional Firefighters Society

An Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event was held April 27 in West Kelowna
owrge-donation
Members of the Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event (in yellow) present a $10,000 cheque to the West Kelowna Professional Firefighters Society on June 13, 2024.

A community group that organized a wildfire responders appreciation event in April has handed a $10,000 cheque to the West Kelowna Professional Firefighters Society.

ѻýThe idea was to put the event on and if proceeds were left over from expenses we would like to take them to a worthwhile cause,ѻý said Tom Groat, chairperson Okanagan Wildfire Responders Gratitude Event (OWRGE).

The event was held April 27 and packed Memorial Park in West Kelowna, featuring a Walk of Heroes honouring wildfire responders.

It welcomed firefighters from multiple communities, the BC Wildfire Service, RCMP, BC Ambulance paramedics and search and rescue volunteers.

ѻýWe started this idea shortly after they got the fire (McDougall Creek) under controlѻýand we thought we need to do something for these firefighters and first responders,ѻý Groat added.

ѻýThe majority of our money stays local, going to organizations such as West Kelowna Foodbank, the Boys and Girls Club, CRIS Adaptive Adventures, and others,ѻý said Ryan Onyschuk, director 
with Local 4457 Professional Firefighters Charitable Society. 

He added the donation was a wonderful surprise.

ѻýWeѻýre honoured to receive it. As a fire department we always strive to give back.ѻý
 



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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