The Roughriders and Tourism Saskatchewan will be hosting a Rider Nation pregame party Aug 24th in Edmonton.
Edmonton Expo Centre (10:30am to 1:30pm) prior to the game with the Eskimos.
- Special appearance by your very own GAINER the gopher
- Door Prizes, food, drinks
- A rocking DJ and your favorite Rider Tunes
- Practice your passing skills with the Rider football toss
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan
- Two tickets to the Edmonton Eskimos at Saskatchewan Roughriders October 12, 2013
- Round trip transportation for two to Regina
- Two nights accommodation in Regina
- Attractions passes and more!
Visit our Facebook Event Page
BENEFITING THE EDMONTON FIREFIGHERS BURN TREATMENT SOCIETY
Donations received at this event will help support the Edmonton Firefighters Burn Treatment Society.
Riderville.com sat down with Darren Akister, a Director with the Burn Treatment Society, to get an overview of the work being done to raise funds to support this great cause.
Interview with The Edmonton Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Society
Hi Darren, can you tell us a little bit about the EFFBTS?
The Edmonton Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Society was established in 1977 by a group of firefighters’ that saw the need for Edmonton to have a burn treatment unit. In 1982, five years after the charity was formed a two bed Burn Unit opened at the University of Alberta Hospital. The Unit was dedicated as the Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Unit. The society is a volunteer non-profit organization still ran by firefighters today who are committed to raising funds and awareness for the research, treatment and recovery of thermal injuries. Funds raised by our organization help pay for equipment needed in the Burn Unit, funding for research into new treatments of thermal injuries as well as funding the Alberta Firefighters’ Burn Camp for Children.
What are the goals of the organization?
Our goal as an organization is to raise funds and awareness for research, treatment and recovery of thermal injuries. Given that we are a group of firefighters’ it is rewarding to continue to help those we meet at work after our shift ends in any way possible.
Who are the members of the EFFBTS?
The Edmonton Firefighters’ Burn Treatment Society consists of firefighters from the Capital Region including Edmonton Fire Rescue, Strathcona County Emergency Services, St. Albert Fire Services and Canadian Forces Base Edmonton Garrison.
How do burn patients become engaged with the EFFBTS?
Due to the Freedom of Information Privacy Act burn patients must contact our organization on a personal choice basis. Our organization has a great relationship with the medical staff that works on the Burn Unit and they refer any patients who want contact with our organization. We are always willing to support any patient who has the misfortune of having a thermal injury.
What support does the EFFBTS provide burn victims?
The biggest support that the EFFBTS provides burn patients is the financial backing of the Burn Unit. Our organization’s efforts ensure that patients that are treated in the Burn Unit in Edmonton receive some of the highest burn care in all of North America. The Funds that we raise go towards state of the art equipment, funding research, and recruitment and retention of highly qualified practitioners to staff the unit.
We understand you have a burn camp. Can you tell us about that?
Yes in partnership with Easter Seals Camp Horizon, we run a camp every August in Kananaskis Country. 70 campers from Alberta and the rest of Western Canada ages 7-17 who have sustained a burn injury experience a week of learning new skills in safe yet challenging environment. Activities include but are not limited to swimming, hiking, challenge ropes archery and of course annual water fight. Volunteers that make this camp possible include Firefighters, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, and Legion Members.
How does the organization get funded?
Our organization relies on charitable donations by individuals and corporations. As well we host many fundraisers similar to the Rider Nation Tailgate Party to continue to raise funds for research, treatment and recovery of thermal injuries. Some of our other fundraisers include the annual Turn up the Heat Calendar and Selection Nights, several golf tournaments, and Pub Nights. As an organization we are always looking for new ways to fundraise for our cause.
How much money has the EFFBTS raised?
Since 1977 we have raised 10 million dollars to help the Burn Unit and make Burn Camp possible.
How did your organization join forces with the Roughriders?
A spouse from one of our departments’ member approached us about doing a tailgate party event with the Roughriders and raising funds for our organization. She along with a friend contacted the public relations staff with the Roughriders and they jumped at the opportunity. We would like to thank both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Tourism Saskatchewan for their partnership and hard work to make this event a success and hope to make it an annual event.
