New Westminster firefighters want to help ease the boredom of sick kids stuck in Royal Columbian Hospital.
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society has purchased five 32-inch televisions, five DVD/Blu-Ray players and wall mounts for the gadgets for the pediatrics unit at Royal Columbian Hospital.
“The idea is they are going to go in each room,” said firefighter Glen Bailey. “Right now, the only way the kids can watch TV is if the parents pay.”
The New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society raises funds through activities like its Christmas tree chipping, a charity hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks Alumni and the shred-athon. Funds are dispersed annually to a variety of organizations in the community, including the pediatrics ward at Royal Columbian Hospital.
“We went to Royal Columbian Hospital and asked for a wishlist. That was one of the things we could afford to do,” Bailey said. “We kept the wishlist and are hoping we can slowly but surely get at that wishlist.”
Firefighters got support for their latest donation from a couple of local businesses. Hyack Trophies donated plaques that were placed on the front of the TVs, and London Drugs gave the firefighters a good deal on the electronic purchases.
“We couldn’t have bought all those TVs with our budget,” Bailey said. “They really came through.”
Having delivered the electronics to Royal Columbian Hospital, members of the New Westminster Firefighters’ Charitable Society are preparing for this weekend’s shred-athon.
Residents and businesses are invited to bring any documents needing to be shredded to the fundraising event, which also features a barbecue, popcorn and entertainment.
It’s all happening on Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Canada Games Pool parking lot.
