The St. Jean Fire Department held an important event on August 16, 2024, to celebrate the $25,000 grant they received from BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. The grant, awarded as part of BASF's commitment to supporting rural communities, was given to the department thanks to a huge community effort.
"We were incredibly impressed by the local support for the Volunteer Fire Department here," said Brent Collins, BASF Representative. "This fire department is incredibly important for the small community."
The $25,000 grant is reserved for the replacement of critical equipment. The fire department recently learned that their current masks, bought through Honeywell, would no longer be supported after December 5th, leaving them with an unexpected and significant expense. Fillion explained that the department had hoped to extend the use of the equipment for another decade, but the sudden need for replacement was a financial challenge for the rural department.
Thanks to the BASF grant and additional community support, the department was able to replace its outdated equipment with ten new masks, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of its firefighters.
"We ended up having to donate half of it and fundraise the rest, and BASF was a grant we applied for and got, which was great," said Eugene "Geno" Fillion Chief of St. Jean Fire Department with 38 years of service.
The process to secure votes for the funding involved extensive PR efforts, including interviews and mobilizing support from the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs. Fillion noted that the department's entry outvoted the second-place contender by an estimated 6,000 votes, a testament to the community's dedication.
“We consider this our grand opening slash receiving a check for $25,000 from BASF,” said Fillion, highlighting the importance of the event.
Fillion also shared that the event served as a dual celebration, marking both the grant award and the unofficial grand opening of the fire hall, which was built in 2019.
The event saw a strong turnout, with many community members coming together. Fillion praised the community's support, mentioning how residents from various parts of the country, even as far as Ontario, PEI, and Quebec, supported them in the voting process. “One local guy went to Costco in Winnipeg, he had the St. Jean T-shirt on and was approached and told, ‘Hey, we voted for you guys,’ That was a blast to hear," Fillion said, highlighting the widespread backing the department received.
Representatives from BASF, including Dana Hill, Gill Smith, and Brent Collins, attended the event and expressed their excitement about supporting the St. Jean Fire Department. Collins noted the strong community support and the compelling case the department made for why they should be the grant recipients.
“This fire department is incredibly important for the small community,” Collins said, emphasizing the impact the grant would have.
The event was more than just a grant presentation; it was a celebration of community spirit and strength. Activities like axe throwing, provided by Haulin' Axe, a mobile axe-throwing company, bouncy castles, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, and the day was filled with fun and camaraderie. Anderson noted the surprising skill of participants, adding that axe throwing is a therapeutic and enjoyable activity for all.
As the event ended, the St. Jean Fire Department and community were left with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The $25,000 grant from BASF not only provided essential funding but also strengthened the bonds within the community, ensuring that the St. Jean Fire Department is well-equipped to continue its essential work for years to come.
"If you ever think of joining a fire department, it's a lot of work, but it pays off with lots of benefits. I consider this my second family," said Fillion.
