Organizer Alysia Beevis receiving a cheque from the union representing Renfrew County Paramedic Service workers. MBC Media file photo
A large crowd drove out to Petawawa on Saturday morning to support a pair of local food banks as well as Renfrew County Special Olympics.
The third annual Emergency and Protective Services United event took place on Saturday, September 12th at the Petawawa Civic Centre, supporting the Petawawa Pantry and St. Joseph’s Community Food Bank in addition to the sports organization.
The event saw first responders from various communities across the Ottawa Valley split off into teams of six to run obstacle courses themed around the work they do in their day-to-day lives, with tasks including pulling a fire truck on foot and carrying dummies on stretchers.
Organizer Alysia Beevis spoke at the event, saying the size of the crowd showed that the event is growing beyond the borders of Petawawa and the immediate surrounding area.
Beevis said all emergency and protective service workers share a common purpose: bringing safety and security to local communities. She also recognized the families of first responders, saying they see the hardships they live with and make sacrifices to help support their loved ones.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP Billy Denault also spoke at the event, thanking everyone that helped make it possible for their hard work and dedication.
Denault says our local first responders remind him of the definition of public service: in his words, “to put your name forward, not for greater glory, not for personal fortune, but to give back to a community that’s given so much to us.”
The final totals for the amount of money raised at the event are still being calculated and will be shared at a later date.
(Steve Berard)
