For more than thirty years the Saskatoon Firefighters have climbed aboard their "sleigh" for one day each year and sang carols in exchange for donations to Denny Carr's Secret Santa Campaign.  This year the Caroling Firefighters were able to raise over 28,000 thanks to the generosity of Saskatoon citizens.  The picture shows a brand new float constructed this year by a few of the members, with generous sponsorship from a number of businesses.  The money raised by the firefighters is added to many other donations to help provide food and toys for 600 Saskatoon families.  Members of the Caroling Firefighters also lent a hand on December 22, when the families come to pick up their hampers.

The Secret Santa Campaign was created over 30 years ago by late radio personality Denny Carr, and everyone involved today is very proud to carry on his vision year after year.  One of the highlights of the day for the Caroling Firefighters is to visit the statue of Denny Carr.  They sing Denny a carol and place the red sweatshirt on his statue, showing that he is and always will be a member of the team. 

Photo Courtesy Greg Pender, Saskatoon Star Phoenix

Once again in 2009 the Saskatoon Firefighters worked with the Salvation Army in their annual Christmas Kettles Campaign.  For four days between November 21 and December 19, Local 80 members proudly donned the Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services Dress Uniform and rang the bells to help the needy families of Saskatoon.  Local 80 and SFPS have been partners with the Salvation Army for many years. 

The Saskatoon Firefighters would like to thank the citizens of Saskatoon for making the 2009 Muscular Dystrophy Canada Boot Drive another huge success!  On Saturday May 30, Saskatoon Firefighters Local 80 set up a donation station on Preston Avenue in front of Market Mall.  Off duty firefighters volunteered their time to encourage motorists to throw their loose change into the firefighting boot for Muscualr Dystrophy.  Thanks to the public's generosity the firefighters were able to raise almost $7000 to help "make muscles move".  In addition to Saskatoon's generous citizens, Local 80 would also like to thank the Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services Administration and Management Team for their support and use of trucks and crews for the day, as well as Family Pizza in the Churchill Shopping Center and Buddies' Confectionary on Estay for keeping the volunteers fed and hydrated.  Thanks to all the volunteers who came out; the weather was great and everyone had a great time, including sparky!

 On November 17,2007 Saskatoon Fire Fighters were recognized for their contribution to Muscular Dystrophy Canada by receiving a "First Gift Certificate".  The "First Gift Certificate", recognizes the first donation ever made to Muscular Dystrophy.  Saskatoon Fire Fighters have been fund-raising on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 1974.  In that time Saskatoon has raised over $120,000.00 to assist those that are living with Neuromuscular Disorders.

Fire Fighters have been involved with Muscular Dystrophy since 1954, and MDC is the Fire Fighters Charity of Choice. Over $2,000,000 are raised annually by Fire Fighters across Canada each year.  Money raised goes to assisting with Research, Education and providing Equipment for those who need it.

One day a year Saskatoon Fire Fighters are out in the City asking for donations. The "Boot Drive" or Fill the Boot Campaign asks citizens driving in their cars to stop and donate money by putting it in the Fire Fighters Boot.  In 2007 Fire Fighters collected $5797.13 for MDC.

Look for the Fire Fighters in 2008 out in the City with a Boot in hand.

On June 21st, WestJet teamed up with IAFF Local 80 members to host a BBQ at the Saskatoon Airport, with the proceeds going to Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. Together we served Burgers/Smokies/Hot Dogs and drinks steady from 11 am to 2pm. A local Burn Survivor - Denise Hurd stopped by to see and meet everyone, the Burn Fund is sending Denise to the World Burn Conference in Vancouver. A total $1104.17 was raised for the Burn Fund.

In the picture are IAFF Local 80 members Sasha Atamanenko, Jimmy Walker Peter Molnar, Kurt Boehm, Brent Schellenberg and Shauna Baccus, missing are Jared Benson and Tim Walts.

On Tuesday May 29th Local 80 Executive Member Shauna Baccus presented a cheque for $5000 to Camp Circle O' Friends.

Saskatoon Fire Fighters have donated funds in previous years as well as obtain golf carts to shuttle campers around the campsite.  This camp is for kids with Cancer and we are proud to be a continuing support to them.

Saskatoon Firefighters also volunteered their time at a Ladies Nite Out, held by the Hub City Optimist Club. They decided to also donate the money raised to the Camp Circle O' Friends from that evening, which was $1800. Bringing a total donation of $6800, for Camp Circle O' Friends.

Shauna stands with the Hub City Optimist Club President Phil Haughn.

Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services and Local 80 were given a special recognition award for Volunteer Service with the Salvation Army, at the annual Salvation Army Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, on Monday April 30th, 2007.

In the picture Local 80 Executive Member Jared Benson stands with Chief Bentley to receive the Award.

On April 28^th, Local 80 executive member Jared Benson attended the annual National Day of Mourning, which recognizes workers killed on the job each year.  In attendance were; His Worship Mayor Don Atchison and other members of city council, various MLA’s and representation from various unions within the city and the province.  This year in Saskatchewan 44 people were killed on the job, or from illnesses caused by the line of work they were in.  Every name was read and a candle was placed in remembrance of each worker, as well as wreaths were placed by various organizations and locals.  Among the 44 names that were read, three were retired Local 80 members who passed away due to illnesses related to firefighting.  These were Edward Usselman, Thomas Dunlap, and Cyril Quayle.

On Tuesday November 28^th 2006 the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters Burn Fund launched a new Safety Reminder Video, directed towards Senior Citizens. The launch took place in Regina at a Senior citizens home, where some of the scenes were shot. Professional Firefighters from across Saskatchewan came to help with the launch of the video, which reminds seniors about; Fire Safety, Burn Safety, Fire Escape Plans and checking Smoke Alarms. The Video will be distributed to over 1500 senior homes and facilities through-out the province.  In this picture Local 80 President, Bruce Siemens is sitting with some seniors at the Launch of the Safety Video