The Rural Municipality of Roland has launched a major fundraising campaign to help finance the purchase of a new fire truck expected to be needed as early as 2027, with its first community fundraiser raising more than $32,000.
About 130 people attended a comedy night fundraiser held April 25 at the Roland Memorial Hall. The event featured dinner, cider tasting from DeadHorse Creek Cider and performances by Manitoba comedians Pat Gagne, Barney Morin and Dewey Parker.
The evening also included a silent auction, rainbow auction and 50/50 draw. Local businesses supported the event through sponsorships, including Bell Electric as evening sponsor, Brunet Construction as dinner sponsor, Roland Air Spray as auction sponsor and Winkler Construction as wine sponsor.
The fundraiser was organized by councillors Carrie Hennan and Robyn Linde, while members of the RM of Roland Fire Department volunteered their time bartending and selling tickets.
Reeve Jodi Gaultier said the municipality must replace its current fire truck to maintain its fire insurance rating and remain compliant with National Fire Protection Association regulations.
“We are purchasing a new fire truck to remain compliant with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) regulations and maintain our fire rating for insurance purposes,” Gaultier said. “Without this rating, home insurance prices in our area could increase significantly.”
The RM estimates a replacement truck could cost between $900,000 and more than $1 million.
Gaultier said council hopes to raise as much money as possible before proceeding with the purchase and plans to continue fundraising efforts over the next two years.
“We had been hopeful to have a good turnout and raise funds, but we were pleasantly surprised with the generosity of the community,” she said.
In addition to proceeds from the comedy fundraiser, the project also received a $10,000 donation from the Carman Area Foundation.
Gaultier credited community members and local businesses for helping make the fundraiser a success.
“We could not have been successful without the support of our community and local businesses — large and small donations all contributed to the success of the event,” she said.
The municipality plans to continue fundraising with a Fireman’s Picnic scheduled for June 27.
Gaultier said residents can expect “supper by donation, opportunities to get up close and personal with our fire trucks, a silent auction, water activities for the kids and bouncy houses.”
