Volunteer Rescue Teams across Canada have received a significant boost to their training capabilities, as they benefit from a donation of manikins from Ruth Lee Ltd’s Volunteer Heroes programme.
Here at Ruth Lee, we have a longstanding commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. Back in 2017, we launched a special project called Volunteer Heroes which had the aim of supporting rescue communities through the donation of products to support their training. Since then, we have made donations to more than 50 volunteer rescue teams around the world, helping them enhance their training capabilities and save lives.
In 2023, Canada tragically suffered some of the worst wild fires in its history and after noting the plight of firefighters and other rescue teams who needed appropriate training to cope with the demands of these rescues, we made the decision to focus our Volunteer Heroes project in Canada, inviting Canadian rescue teams to apply for support through the fund.
Working with our Canadian partners ALG Safety, we made careful consideration of all applications made, announcing 15 deserving teams to receive Ruth Lee training manikins. The list of recipients includes:
- Pompiers de Charlo Fire Department
- West Bay Road and District Volunteer Fire Department
- Winnipeg Search and Rescue Association
- Yellowknife Search & Rescue
- Pemberton Search and Rescue
- Beaver Lake Fire Department
- Elbow Volunteer Fire Department
- Sioux Lookout Fire Fighters Association
- Eurêka Recherche Sauvetage
- New London Fire Company
- Stephenville Search and Rescue
- Brigade d’incendie NVR NotreDamedesÉrables
- Pasadena Fire Rescue
- Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue
- Langham Fire Department
Speaking on behalf of Ruth Lee Ltd, Managing Director Paul McDonnell stated,
“Our core values have always been rooted in family, and we recognize the invaluable services provided by under-funded rescue teams. These heroes risk their lives to save others in challenging conditions. Working with ALG Safety, we identified the urgent need to support Canadian volunteer rescue teams, especially after the unprecedented wildfires in 2023. We are proud to contribute manikins to enhance their ongoing rescue training, making a real difference to their capabilities.”
Both ALG Safety Inc and Ruth Lee Ltd express their gratitude to everyone who applied for the Volunteer Heroes program. While only 15 teams were selected for this round, the dedication and passion displayed by all applicants are acknowledged and appreciated.
For more information and updates on our Volunteer Heroes fund or our other social commitment programs please visit our website.
Congratulations to all the recipients, and may these training tools empower you to continue your life-saving efforts in the communities you serve!