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Devyn Anderson, 16 months old, took a seat next to Old St. Nick at the Kelowna fire hall to help raise money for the fire museum.
By Kathy Michaels
Santa took to Kelowna’s streets early this year, eschewing the regular reindeer and sleigh for a much more striking ride.
St. Nick got himself behind the wheel of an antique 1928 Graham Ladder Truck as a means to raise funds for the Kelowna Fire Museum and Education Centre.
It was a compelling enough sight to lure out more than 50 families looking for a unique holiday photograph, by the time all was said and done, said Kelly Paley, director of volunteers for the fire museum.
“It was non-stop all morning,” she explained, adding the funds will help the museum society open their coffee shop, museum and education centre by February.
The museum and education centre is a private, not-for-profit organization with a mission to preserve firefighting history and tucked into its collection is not only the Graham Truck, but a 1961 American LaFrance pumper, and many other artifacts showcasing 100 years of firefighting service to the citizens of Kelowna.
“We’re also going to have an education centre which will work to reduce preventable injuries,” said Paley, explaining they have programs that will be offered throughout the Central Okanagan School district for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8.
“It’s the number one cause of death for British Columbians aged one to 44.”
While the families who took part in the photo event this morning will help make a dent in the money that needs to be collected, Paley said that there’s another way to get in on ensuring the centre comes to be.
The buy a rung campaign has been extended until the end of December and it offers Kelowna residents a chance to get their name on a piece of what’s bound to be local history.
“We’re planning to create murals including ladders as part of the main exhibit hall,” said Paley, adding that purchasing a rung with your name on it will cost $100, and because they’re a registered charity the purchase is tax deductible.”
“It will make a really unique Christmas gift,” she said.
For more information go to www.firemuseum.ca.
kathy@kelowna.com
250-575-0761
