The St. Jean Baptiste Volunteer Fire Department has won $25,000 through the BASF Growing Home Grant, an agricultural community-oriented program in its second year.
Rural farming communities are given the chance to nominate important local charitable or non-profit organizations to win. Nominations received must be supported by a local grower and are narrowed to three finalists for each Prairie province and Ontario.
The St. Jean Fire Department was against the Inglis and District Community Club and the Notre Dame Recreation District Board. Public online voting was open for a two-week period from April 2-15.
In true small-town community spirit, St. Jean Baptiste, a population of 576, with the support of friends and family across Manitoba and Canada, received a total of 6,132 votes, accounting for 44 per cent of the 13,975 votes cast for the three Manitoba organizations.
“Our win is a testament to the community: our friends, family, and colleagues,” said Brunel Sabourin, a captain with the St. Jean fire department. “Our small community always provides large support.”
The volunteer department of 18 crew members will use their winnings to help replace their self-contained breathing apparatus with 10 new ones. Their current manufacturer has discontinued support of these necessary devices.
“Parts will no longer be made, are not interchangeable, and [not having replacement parts] would be a liability [for the crew],” Sabourin explained.
A video shared via the department’s social media pages showcased all crew members individually saying thank you from their cars, their living rooms, or the fire station.
Sabourin reiterated that gratitude.
“Thank you for the tremendous support,” he said, stressing that the community “has continued to provide service in our time of need.”
