The Derwent Fire Department is hosting their 2nd Annual fundraiser for Stars Air Ambulance. This May, they seeded 21 acres of wheat that will likely be harvested in September, and Captain Ed Mailhot said their goal is to beat last year’s total.
Last year, the group raised $17, 500 on a canola crop. They found the original suggestion online and being a farming community decided it worked for them.
Up until September 1, supporters will have their names added to signage and social media. Mailhot said last year they accepted donations right through October, not wanting to turn away any support for the cause.
As a first-responder, Mailhot said, “All throughout western Canada, Stars is our go-to when it comes to remote access, or when you need to get to the hospital quick. They also do transfers from one hospital to another, and each flight costs on average roughly about $6,500 for staff and fuel. Last year’s fundraiser earned nearly enough for three flights. STARS is dispatched to our area on a regular basis whether it be Vermilion, Derwent, or Elk Point.”
Currently, they have only raised between $3,500-$4,000 but have not harvested the crop yet. Mailhot said their goal is ultimately to help local citizens and if they don’t do it, he wondered who else will.
“We take great pride in our community. Out of 85 people, there are 26 members and five junior members totalling 31 people in the Derwent Fire Department. We have the largest fire department in the County of Two Hills, and everything we do is for the betterment of our community,” said Mailhot.
He also noted how thankful they are to the community for the support, saying they don’t just support the fire department but anything going on in the area – they have a pretty tight-knit group of people who continue supporting one another.
To sponsor a 1/2 acre the cost is $50, silver is $100, gold is $250, and platinum is $500. To donate you can e-transfer derwent.fire25@gmail.com or mailbox 35 Derwent, AB T0B 1C0. If you include a name, address, and phone number you can be issued a tax receipt. For more information, you can contact one of the members, or reach Rick Kwasnycia at 780-205-3681 or Matt Jaremco at 780-581-8188.
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