Shelburne Fire Department receives funding from Firehouse Subs

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Volunteer first responders with the Shelburne and District Fire Department (SDFD) will have access to necessary equipment to help keep themselves and community members safe after receiving grant funding. 

The Shelburne and District Fire Department was presented with a cheque for $24,318 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada last Thursday (Sept. 26) at the Firehouse Subs franchise location in Orangeville.

The grant money will be used to purchase four new Drager Portable Multi-Gas Detectors, allowing the local fire department to monitor air quality in potentially hazardous situations for the safety of the community and the department's members. 

“We are grateful to the Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs in Orangeville for awarding us this grant,” said Tony Quesnelle, Lieutenant, Shelburne & District Fire Department. “The four new Drager Portable Multi-Gas Detectors will fulfill a critical need within our department and allow our first responders to better help the people of Amaranth, Melancthon, Mono, Mulmur and Shelburne during emergency situations.” 

In 2005, Firehouse Subs' founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in the U.S. with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities for first responders and public safety organizations. Ten years later, with the opening of the first Canadian Firehouse Subs restaurant, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada was created. 

Since 2015, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has awarded 351 grants to public safety organizations. 

The funding given to the Shelburne and District Fire Department is one of 19 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada grants awarded to public safety organizations during the most recent donation cycle. The 19 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued at more than $530,000 across Canada. 

To date, the Canadian Foundation continues the mission of impacting the lifesaving capabilities of local heroes and their communities and has awarded more than $3.7 million throughout Canada.

To learn more about the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada or to donate, visit any Firehouse Subs restaurant or online at CanadaHelps.org.