The Carman-Dufferin Fire Department is inviting the community to its annual ball next month, where firefighters will swap their regular gear for something a little more formal.
‘We didn’t know what to expect’
Fire Chief Chris Lemky said the February 7th event is now in its third year.
He said that while the department wasn’t sure how the first iteration of the fundraiser would be received in 2024, it quickly saw strong support.
“The businesses were readily available to help us out with prizes and gifts, and then the community just came out for the event, and it was a great time, so from there, we decided to keep it going,” he said.
This year’s ball theme is “Hollywood Red Carpet,” so attendees are invited to come out in their very best.
Up in Flames
Chief Lemky said the menu will include a traditional roast beef dinner with all the fixings, and the entertainment for the evening will feature Up in Flames — a band that consists of firefighters from Selkirk.
“One of our members works at Fort Garry Fire Trucks, and he was [recommended] these guys, so… we talked to them right away and asked if they’d be available, and they said they’d definitely come out,” he said.
The ball will be emceed by Mike Green, a comedian from Winnipeg who performed at Just For Laughs Montreal: New Faces of Canada in 2022.
And of course, prizes
This year’s firefighter ball will also feature opportunities to win a wide array of prizes.
There will be a 50/50 raffle, a live auction, and a silent auction.
Supporting the health of the Carman-Dufferin Fire Department
Chief Lemky said that the funds from the department’s first fundraiser in 2024 went toward mental and physical health programs, including exercise equipment for the fire hall.
This year, the proceeds from the ball will go toward similar initiatives.
“Mental health has always been something that’s been very important to me, and keeping those programs going,” he said.
“This year is going to be a continuation of that. We actually have commitment from councils this year to put an addition on the fire hall.”
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Chief Lemky said the hope for the new space is that it supports firefighters’ mental health by providing an area to decompress.
The funds will also go toward more gym equipment for physical health.
“Right now, we’re kind of on top of each other …. Our gear-cleaning area is kind of in our kitchen and gym area, so [we are] creating that separation and creating those spaces for mental health and physical health,” he said.
The chief added that the project is designed to ensure that firefighters have the support they need amidst their demanding work.
“I think everybody in the first responder field suffers [mentally] to some degree,” he said.
“I’ve seen it in our department personally. I’ve seen people leave the department [and] leave firefighting because of mental health struggles and issues, and we want to do everything that we can to help those people.”
The details
The firefighters’ ball takes place on February 7th at the Carman Community Hall.
Tickets, which are $100, are available through any Carman-Dufferin firefighter, Newman Hand Insurance in Carman, or through the department’s Facebook page.
With files from Ty Hildebrand
