The Southwick Fire Association calendar fundraiser is underway. (SOUTHWICK FIRE DEPARTMENT PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – In a time when first responders are more vital than ever, the Southwick Fire Association is hosting its annual calendar fundraiser that benefits the needs of the department.
For the fourth year, the Southwick Fire Association calendar is aimed at raising funds to purchase equipment, training, and, according to Fire Chief Russ Anderson, “other betterments to the community.”
The calendar fund drive is the Association’s largest fundraising activity for the year. Calendars are delivered to every resident and business in town free of charge. Recipients can make a voluntary donation with the supplied envelope if they choose and 100% of all proceeds will go to fire department related equipment, and training.
The calendar features images including town firefighters on the job. Anderson said the calendar has historically been supported by local businesses that are advertised in the calendar. This year, Anderson said the Association did not ask businesses to pay for advertising.
“This year, due to COVID, we did not collect any funds from businesses for sponsors and as a thank you we’ve kept prior year sponsors in free of charge in hopes to help out during these tough times,” Anderson said.
Residents have never been asked to pay for the calendars, and that has not changed. Anderson said town businesses have been supportive throughout the pandemic and could also use some support.
“We hear from residents all the time that the calendar is a big hit,” he said. “With the economic challenges we recognized it would be hard to ask them for sponsorship. So, the association voted to this year support them during these times. We are hoping that the residents’ voluntary donations will allow us to break even this year.
“We would like to thank all businesses and residents for their support.”
In addition those being home delivered, calendars are also available at the station.
