WESTLOCK — For the Westlock Fire Department, the sky’s the limit when helping struggling families this holiday season.
The department’s annual Firefighter in the Sky campaign has returned and is raising food, cash, and clothing for families in need this holiday season — fire trucks have been parked at Engel’s Your Independent Grocer and Sobeys stores in Westlock on consecutive Sundays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18 and takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On the final day, Sunday, Dec. 18, captain Brian Hegedus will take to the sky on the fire department’s ladder truck at 11 a.m. and will remain there until they reach their goal of $1,000 cash or 1,000 pounds of food — preferably both.
“I think it’s been good. I noticed with the pandemic it’s not quite as much as we’ve got in previous years but it’s understandable with the economy and everything,” said deputy-chief Kris Olsen.
Firefighters have been on site at the two locations collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Westlock Food Bank and clothing for the Coats for Kids and Families program — two causes that see a great need at this time of year, noted Olsen.
“I think it’s important that we volunteer and give back to the community and this is just one more way that we can do it that’s not operational,” he said.
“This is truly the spirit of us as members coming out and helping the community at large. There are a lot of generous people in the community so we’re sure we’re going to meet this goal.”
