“The need is not going away”: Concert supports Firefighter Aid Ukraine

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Every dollar counts as the war in Ukraine continues.

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This month, the Beaverhill Brass Quintet presented a check for $1,200 to Firefighter Aid Ukraine, which ships used and expired firefighting gear and tools from North America to Ukraine. The local band hosted a benefit concert in support of Ukraine in May at the Salisbury United Church.

Accepting the donation on June 13 was Stuart Shaw, an Edmonton fire captain, who has been involved with Firefighter Aid Ukraine for 11 years.

“They’re going through gear at an alarming rate due to fighting three to five fires a day due to shelling. For a North American firefighter, we’re probably going to 20 to 25 fires in a year. “They’re doing that in two to three weeks,” Shaw explained. “It’s hard on their gear and they don’t have the supplies to fix or clean their gear, so the degradation of their materials is astronomical. Replacing it as often as we can is paramount for their health and safety.”

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The capital city firefighter was able to witness the impact on the ground having traveled to Ukraine on an aid trip seven years ago.

“It was a wonderful experience. We met a lot of great people who were giving back to their communities and neighbors. It was moving,” he recalled. “They’re very underfunded and undersupplied. Any relief and help that they can get is exceptional for them.”

More than two years into the war against Russia, there has been a noticeable decrease in donations.

“It has really dried up this year, big time… We have noticed a depreciation in supply and interest, but there is still a strong community here and they’re as active as they can be. “We’re still stockpiling things,” Shaw said. “The need is not going away. “It has only increased.”

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After completing two shipments in 2023, Firefighter Aid Ukraine is ready to send another shipment this summer. About 18 crates filled with bunker gear, helmets, boots, and tools. Each crate represents one firehouse and will provide even supplies for a four-person truck. With decreasing monetary donations, that will be sent by sea-can rather than air, so it will take a bit longer for the supplies to arrive.

In addition to the equipment, Firefighter Aid Ukraine is providing trauma training for Ukrainians. With each mission to Ukraine costing $60,000 for this kind of training as well as leaving the equipment to carry out procedures, paramedics teach the basics of treating gunshot wounds, blood packing, and limb loss.

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With two SUVs donated by the City of Edmonton and looking to buy another F250 truck, the organization is looking to create mobile trauma centers, where people can use the training in the field where bombing have taken place.

Calling himself too old to fight, Colin Bonneau, tuba player in the Beaverhill Brass, deployed his musical talents in support of those defending Ukraine. He noted Firefighter Aid Ukraine is making a big impact, so it was an easy choice to support them again this year.

“I’ll keep doing this until the war is over,” Bonneau said.

To learn more about Firefighter Aid Ukraine or to make a donation, go to firefighteraidukraine.com.

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X: LindsayDMorey

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