The Upper Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade (UCVFB) Fundraiser for 2024 was a huge success despite the rainy day. The North Thompson Valley showed up to support the brigade volunteers in good numbers throughout the day to bid on silent auction items, enjoy some delicious barbecue, coffee, tea and baked goods, and regardless of the rain vehicles lined up for a car wash with an extra rinse provided by mother nature.
Other valley fire team members also attended in unity from Vavenby, Clearwater and Blackpool halls, boosting the spirits of the UCVFB team members involved in organizing the events of the day.
The UCVFB received two new 5,000 imperial gallon water tanks this spring thanks to the Wells Gray Community Forest Society. The area in Upper Clearwater now has access to five water tanks spread throughout the valley due to grant approvals. The brigade president, Chris Nowak said, “I would like to mention the $20,777.32 grant we received from Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation this last winter that equipped us with three new 13 horsepower pumps, two new volume pumps, hoses and hose fittings. We are so thankful for all of the support by local businesses and people in this amazing community who continue to support our efforts ongoing.”
The Upper Clearwater Hall was bustling with activity as all ages enjoyed a social day inside and out. The silent auction was bursting with amazing donated items that included things like appliances, tools, plants, books, crafts, sports equipment, and many gift certificates from local businesses such as; restaurants, rafting companies and accommodation stays.
The silent auction fundraiser on May 25 raised over $5,000 with over $1,000 in donations for the barbecue on site and another $700 plus from the rainy day car wash.
Nowak added, “It’s just amazing even with the poor weather so many people came out to show their support. It’s a great feeling, since we rely 100 percent on donations to keep our fire brigade operational. We require over $7,000 a year for us to operate. That’s just to cover liability insurance, truck insurance and inspection, radio licenses, fuel and other annual fees. This all could not happen without our incredible volunteers and support in the North Thompson.”
The Upper Clearwater Volunteer Fire Brigade would like to thank all of the sponsors that donated:
Clearwater Lake Tours, Liquid Lifestyles, On Call Services, Wells Gray Outfitters, Amber Electrical, Snap-line Construction, On the Level Construction, Pharmasave, Aspen Auto Parts, Hungry Hiker Restaurant, Gateway Grill, Double R Pizza, TNT Transmission, 52 Ridge, Tim Hortons, Wildflower Cafe, Rooted by the River Nursery, Gulivan International, Dragonsnap Nature Photography, Home Hardware, Wesburn Brogan Safety, Forest House, Tipsy Bear, Across the Creek Cabins, Clearwater Spring Ranch, Fritz and Ursula Shaer, Rosalie Doucette, Michelle Webster, Charley Hig, Wayne Russell, Heather Maclennan, Margaret Burkhout, Steve Macintosh, Tanya Simmons, and Cathy Armstrong.
