THUNDER BAY — Supporters of Conmee's fire department are following the example of other rural municipalities and setting up an auxiliary committee to help raise funds for their own department.
"We're taking the lead from other municipalities that are like ours, raising funds for equipment and tools that may otherwise be too expensive for the fire department to purchase," said a recent online post from the newly-formed group.
It added: "To be clear and transparent: the Conmee Fire Auxiliary is strictly working with the Conmee Fire Department leadership and is made up of citizens independent of council and the township."
"Our Facebook page will be up and running soon, as well as our first fundraiser," the post said.
A previous fundraising committee for Conmee's fire department "went on hiatus several years ago."
Conmee Mayor Sheila Maxwell predicted the relationship between the new auxiliary and the township's fire department "will make for a good partnership."
It's common for rural fire departments to be strapped for cash. Small municipalities usually must take out big loans for major expenses, such as fire trucks that can cost several-hundred thousand dollars.
Often there's no money left over for additional equipment required to meet ever-changing firefighting regulations.
"Small municipalities like ours struggle with the costs of running fire departments," Maxwell said. "Training is a big expense, as is gear for volunteers, but you can't go without either one."
Maxwell noted: "Volunteers are giving up numerous days of work or weekends to attend training."
In nearby Neebing Township, an auxiliary committee for that municipality's fire department has managed to raise more than $400,000 since 2003.
Last year, Neebing's auxiliary began holding 50-50 draws. The draws have an advantage over traditional fundraising events: they can attract entrants from people who don't live in Neebing, but may still want a shot at winning a hefty cash prize.
During an earlier 50-50 event for the Neebing fire department, a Thunder Bay man took home half of a $15,000 jackpot.
Meanwhile, the Conmee auxiliary, which has so far held two meetings, remains in the preliminary stages.
"Our first goal is to open a bank account," the group said.
Said Maxwell: "I hope it goes well with their group."
The Chronicle Journal / Local Journalism Initiative
