$84,600 raised at Fireman’s Banquet

By Jordan Parker

The Eston Fireman’s Banquet and live auction served as a massive fundraiser for the local fire department.

On April 1, 2023, the community showed up and showed out, with an $84,600 tally raised in support of a new fire truck for the town.

“We had a live auction and a silent auction, a 50/50, an entertainer and a banquet. The community really stepped up, and we’re so happy,” said Eston Fire Chief Richard Baran.

Eston Fire Chief, Richard Baran has been overwhelmed by the community’s support. PHOTO BY HELENKA BERNARD

“Raising money for the truck has been a major effort. We haven’t done the banquet every year, but this shows us we can do more in the future. There was so much support.”

He said the replacement truck has been a need in the community for a long time but comes with a $500,000 price tag.

“The one it’s replacing was decommissioned. It’s no longer a fire truck in the eyes of insurance and Occupational Health & Safety. We need a new one,” he said. “So we’ve been fundraising, budgeting money for it, and working toward it for years.”

For the residents in the area to all come together for the department was huge for him.

“It really all just left me speechless. Everyone was generous. We certainly felt appreciated at that banquet, and sold out,” he said.

“We aren’t far away from our goal at this point, but we’re still working towards it. I couldn’t give you an actual number right now, but it’s getting fairly close.”

The RM and town provided the venue, and the sponsors were always on-hand to help make the banquet successful.

“We had amazing sponsors, the RM and town were a huge help, and donations were so helpful. From free wine for tables to auction donations, there were just so many things we had help with,” he said.

“Credit to our committee and volunteers who put this on. I oversaw everything as chief, but our six volunteer firefighters on the committee were fantastic. We always got through the rough edges, and things turned out fantastic.”

The fire department is getting closer to realizing its firetruck goal daily and still accepting help.

“Donations are always welcome. Cheques can be sent to the Town Of Eston and marked as going toward the firetruck. We are so thankful for the help, and a tax receipt comes with it. We’re overwhelmed with what’s been done by the community,” he said.