Helping hands

Sharon McLeay

Times Contributor    

 

The Strathmore Ladies Auxiliary hosted an appreciation dinner for their volunteers and members of the Strathmore Firefighters on May 6 at the Legion.

“It is one of the best relationships I have encountered in my years of service,” said Fire Chief Muir Furzer. “It is humbling to think of how much they do. We think of them as the matrons of our fire hall.”

President Colleen Cameron said their volunteers have helped with many fundraising events and the ladies are thankful for all the help they supply. She said over the years, the Auxiliary and the Fire Department have had a reciprocal relationship, each stepping up to help the other out when needed. 

The ladies decorated the hall in a fire hall theme, utilizing black and red table coverings and napkins. Floor decorations were small fire hydrants, and the walls displayed pictures of the fire crews and their work. 

Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner topped off by piano tunes played by Jim Risdon. Pastor Dawn Nelson attended to bless the meal and the event. She led prayers for the safety of the community, and the men and women that put themselves at risk for the public’s safety.

The Legion Ladies Auxiliary is no rookie at fundraising efforts; they raised over $9,000 last year and donated funds to Meals on Wheels, the Wheatland Food Bank, the Handi-bus Association, WADEMSA, Rural Fire Departments, along with their contributions to the Strathmore Fire Department. In the past, The Strathmore Legion Ladies Auxiliary purchased the Search and Rescue jet boat for the Strathmore Fire Department. It has been used by the department in training exercises and rescue efforts in water bodies all across Southern Alberta. They also purchased an infrared thermal imaging gun for the department.