Wollaston community supports its firefighters

May 5, 2016

Part of a big contingent of Steenburg Lake residents dip into the chili samples during Wollaston Firefighters Spring Fling in Coe Hill on April 30. JIM EADIE Special to This Week

By Jim Eadie

The sixth annual Wollaston Firefighters Spring Fling benefit evening on April 30 at the Wollaston Community Centre produced another full house of support for the local firefighters, and raised over $8,000 to boot.

This year’s antics included crowning the Coe Hill Chili King (or Queen) from among eight hopefuls; it was decided by secret ballots collected from those eating supper. Crowned King of Chili was resident Sam Purdy, who donated his one hundred dollar winnings back to the fire department on the condition that they call him “Your Royal Highness” until next year’s competition.

Completely unannounced and unexpected, a group of mud-boggers calling themselves the “Coe Hill Riders”, who are campers at Red Eagle Campgrounds, roared into the parking lot and turned over $525 they had raised to Wollaston Deputy Chief Dave Jackson.

“Every year we do a run,” said Ron Pollard, from The Riders. “We just want to put some money back into the community.” A T-shirt they donated sold later during the auction sale.

“I can’t say enough good things about our fire department,” said Wollaston Deputy Reeve Marilyn Brickles. “The fire chief is away this weekend on a training course, but his heart is in this, and he appreciates your support.”

At the end of the evening, people left after enjoying a good meal, carrying their new possessions from silent auction items that had been donated by local businesses and residents.

“We wish to thank this awesome community for all of their continued support,” said firefighter Bonnie Purdy.