Bell Canada and INAC commit to HAVFD’s fan boat purchase

On Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 Timothy O’Connor, Access Network Implementation Manager, of Cornwall, Ontario represented BELL Canada in presenting a $1,000 dollar donation to the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department. The volunteer fire department has been working with District Chief Cheryl Jacobs and other members on Council over the past 18 months in an effort to raise $150,000 to go towards the purchasing of a new Rescue Fanboat. The project has been driven by local District Chief Cheryl Jacobs, who has worked with the fire department while they have raised $75,000 towards their goal. Corporate sponsorship was sought through various corporations and the successful community events held contributed to the $75,000 raised. A HAVFD Boot Drive was held last year which rose over $20,000 in a matter of hours.

District Chief C. Jacobs began taking the funding proposal on the project to various Provincial Ministries and after receiving no support the final presentation to the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Minister Chuck Strahl made the commitment and $70,000 has been secured from INAC towards the project. The HAVFD is now in the position to purchase a much needed new Rescue Fanboat.

Over the past 10 years the Akwesasne Mohawk First Nations Territory which is surrounded by the St. Lawrence, St. Regis and Racquette Rivers has suffered with drowning accidents occurring yearly on the waters, in some instances losing two lives in one accident. The Fanboat which is built to be used in water and over marshy lands has been in for several repairs and has even needed a new engine. It was sad that during a recovery effort about two years ago the HAVFD were assisting the O.P.P. in transporting the rescue team to the site, the fanboat broke down.

District Chief stated: “We would like to thank Bell Canada Luke Baker and the staff involved in making this generous and much needed donation possible to assist us in the purchasing of the much needed new life saving piece of equipment. Our local volunteer fire department is considered one of the best in the North Country and with the dedication and commitment of the volunteer men and women and service they provide to our community, they are a volunteer fire department that we can all be greatly proud of. And that community pride is shown through their continued generous financial support given when needed. It is truly unbelievable how deep people will dig into their pockets for our volunteer fire department.

The next scheduled fundraiser coming is in August in which another “BOOT DRIVE” will be held on Cornwall Island at the four corners, commonly known as the Crossroads on Cornwall Island. Any funds raised will be used to help in reaching their final goal of $150,000. If anyone in the surrounding area wishes to make a financial contribution you can contact District Chief Cheryl Jacobs at 613-575-2348, ext. 2256 or cell 613-551-5420 and your contact information will be forwarded to the HAVFD. (HAVFD contact information was not available at time of article.

The irony of the presentation is that while greeting Mr. O’Connor at the Peacetree Mall on Cornwall Island at 11 am, the local fire department was sent out on a fire call on the west end of Cornwall Island.