Last Saturday, the Steinbach Fire Department held an impromptu car wash fundraiser outside the fire station. With very little advertising – a sign outside the station and an Instagram video – they were able to fill their day with a steady stream of customers and raise $1500 in support of firefighter mental health.
Russ Reimer, Assistant Fire Chief of the SFD and a prolific advocate for firefighter mental health, says the event was a huge success and shares his gratitude towards the Steinbach community:
“It was excellent, the way the community responded. [...] I love the way that this city caught on, whether it was through Instagram or through word of mouth, more and more cars kept coming , people were donating, it was just a real sight to see, to the point where, by the end of the day, for somebody like myself who’s so passionate about firefighter mental health, I actually got quite emotional.”
The fire department will be holding a 9/11 stair climb at the Steinbach Credit Union on September 11th, which will also be in support of firefighter mental health. Members of the community are invited to attend, watch the firefighters climb the stairs, speak to them about firefighter mental health, and donate as they are able.