The Central Saanich Fire Station No.1 on Keating Cross Road was a hive of activity on Saturday (Nov. 23).
In addition to attending to their duties, firefighter volunteers hosted the Constructing Kindness food drive for the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank and opened the station for families with their little ones.
“It’s very encouraging to see people come out today to support the fundraiser," said Capt. John Inoke, who in between greeting guests, was also responding to radio calls.
"It’s an active fire hall, so the trucks have had to roll out a few times today, lights blaring," he told Peninsula News Review with a chuckle.
Ashley Barry and Kyle Velikovsky, owners of White Wolf Homes and hosts of the fundraiser, couldn’t be happier with the turnout. This is the first year they’ve introduced Constructing Kindness.
"We've held two fundraisers since 2022 and this year, we wanted to take our company name off of it so that it was more about giving back to the community and less about White Wolf," Velikovsky revealed.
He said they already raised $34,000 prior to the event.
“Based on the number of people I see today, I have some high hopes that we’ll probably hit $50,000.”
The name Constructing Kindness was Barry’s idea. She explained the goal was to bring the construction industry together for a good cause.
“It’s about the communities who support our businesses… there are families out there, kids that go to school without breakfast so we're trying to bring attention to the food crisis in our community and support those who rely on food banks.”
Guests were treated to live music from Luke Lampard and Chase Varnes while kids enjoyed jumping in the bouncy castle, climbing up on the fire truck and rescue boat, and spraying water using the fire hose.
FireSmart director and volunteer Ryan Vantreight also took the opportunity to promote fire safety to guests. He stepped up to help bring Central Saanich Lions members to join the food drive, volunteering their time barbecuing sausages and burgers.
With food from 50 collection boxes at different local businesses and online cash donations still being totalled, Constructing Kindness is on track to reach its goal.
For donations to Saaanich Lions Peninsula Food Bank visit splfoodbank.com/donate.
