A community celebration took place in St. Jean Baptiste last Friday to honour the St. Jean Fire Department’s $25,000 BASF grant win announced in the spring.
BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions sponsored a celebration BBQ for the community with food, music, and fun in honour of the funds won through their Growing Home competition.
Local farmer Gilbert Sabourin nominated the department, highlighting its need for replacement of 10 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).
The competition received 600 nominations, which were narrowed down to three finalists each for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The public was invited to vote for the winner. Manitobans cast 14,000 votes, and St. Jean won it by 1,500.
“We received an overwhelming community response,” said Deputy Fire Chief Brunel Sabourin during the award presentation portion of the evening last week. “As a community of our size, we punched above our weight. It is always amazing to see the community come out and support local organizations.”
Brent Collins, head of seeds and traits with BASF Canada, presented the department their $25,000 cheque.
“BASF is incredibly proud to be a part of the Growing Home program. We know the impact this grant has on the community,” he said, noting the need to replace the SCBA devices “was the most convincing [cause] among the Manitoba finalists.”
Collins stressed the importance of local volunteers, especially those who make their community a safe place.
“Volunteers make a small community work. Support for this community is outstanding.”
Each new breathing apparatus and the necessary equipment comes with a hefty price tag. Gear, including mask, breathing tank, and backpack, for one fire fighter costs approximately $10,000.
“With further monetary donations from Miller Environmental, Valley Co-op, Knights of Columbus St. Jean, and several private donations we have met our fundraising goal [to purchase 10 SCBA],” shared Sabourin.
The new equipment is now on-site and the St. Jean volunteer firefighters will start training with them soon.
Approximately 200 community members attended the BBQ last week, along with firefighters from St. Jean and other area jurisdictions.
A pork-on-a bun meal was enjoyed and live music provided by Almost Famous. Children got to play on several bouncy castles, and 13+ attendees got the chance to try their hand at axe throwing. The Club Chez Nous raised an additional $1015.20 for the fire department with the sale of ice cream sandwiches. The evening wrapped up with fireworks took place at dusk.
Photos by Siobhan Maas/Voice
