Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Vancouver, off-duty firefighters of Vancouver Firefighter Charities has been supporting its community through a variety of creative avenues.

The timing of the COVID-19 pandemic could not have been any worse for Vancouver’s most marginalized populations. Fear and uncertainty sparked many people to rush to supermarkets and purchase as many essential commodities as they could, which left many store shelves bare. For Vancouver’s at-risk population, the ability to stockpile goods was not financially possible, and this left many with little to no options.

Vancouver Firefighter Charities recognized an opportunity with the closing of local restaurants to support those in need. Through the generosity of The Sequoia Company of Restaurants, Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, Holy Crab, and the Belgian Chocolate Cafe. Vancouver Firefighter Charities was able to assemble and deliver nearly 50 care packages to Seniors, Veterans and to residents of YWCA Housing.

Utilizing media attention and community partners, the initial delivery of care packages sparked the development of new partnerships during this hardship. Through Glowbal Restaurant Group, the Beadie Group, Omni Group and Bosa Properties, off-duty firefighters have been facilitating the delivery of fresh meals to at-risk Vancouverites.

To date, over 1,000 fresh meals have been delivered to recipients of our Snacks for Kids Program, the Ronald McDonald House, a Loving Spoonful, and Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this essential deed.