Americas
You can help provide LA firefighters with much needed equipment
“Look for the helpers.
You will always find people who are helping. “
~ Fred Rogers
Dear Friend,
Watching the fires rage in southern California has been difficult to witness and it has been heartbreaking to consider the impact to so many people’s lives, the loss of homes, and the scarring of the landscape. More than 217,000 travelers live in the area and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your neighbors.
The size and scale of the devastation is hard to grasp, and it will take time to rebuild lives and communities.
My son-in-law Mike, is a Boston Firefighter, Ladder 17. I have tremendous respect and gratitude for the firefighters literally in the path of the flames working tirelessly to save lives and property. It is a grueling fight. Just as I want to make sure Mike has the very best equipment each time he responds to a call, I want those combatting the LA fires to have the equipment they need right now.
Jan Byrnes, Vice President of the Grand Circle Foundation personally reached out the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a nonprofit 501 c3 that raises funds to get equipment and training for firefighters. Located in the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department they are the closest to the situation and know best. David, a volunteer told Jan that they need the following right now : emergency fire shelters, hydration kits, and brush clearing tools.
That is why I am reaching out to you today to ask you to join Grand Circle Foundation in making a donation to the LA Fire Department Foundation. We will match all donations up to $100,000 received by January 31. Your donation is tax deductible and 100% will go directly to support the LA firefighters’ needs.
It will still be hard to watch the fires burn, but it gives me a bit of comfort to know that we came together to help provide needed supplies to those on the front lines.
Thank you.
Love and Peace,
Harriet Lewis
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION
Located in the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the LAFD Foundation provides funding for much needed equipment that municipal budgets do not cover. Only about 3% of the city’s fire budget is expected to cover repair and replacement costs for everything from flashlights to fire engines.
As the Fire Department’s official non-profit arm, the LAFD Foundation focuses its fundraising efforts on projects that:
- Improve firefighter health, safety, and wellness
- Affect firefighters’ ability to perform their life-saving duty
- Expand the resources relied upon to protect lives, homes, and the environment
The Foundation works closely with Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, her leadership team, and various LAFD specialty units to determine immediate funding needs and ongoing support opportunities.
Below is more information about the current priorities requiring funding:
EMERGENCY FIRE SHELTERS: These personal fire shelters are deployed when the unthinkable happens and firefighters become overrun by flames. These light, compact shelters are designed to reflect radiant heat, protect against convective heat, and trap breathable air within.
HYDRATION BACKPACKS: Firefighters can be on the front lines of a wildfire for up to 12 hours. These unique backpacks carry three quarts of water and are vital to keeping firefighters healthy on the fire line.
WILDLAND BRUSH TOOLS: Clearing fire roads and creating natural barriers to slow the spread of fire is a necessary but labor-intensive and exhausting process. These light and durable hand tools are specially designed to help ground crews cut through tree limbs, clear brush overgrowth, and remove potential fuel sources.
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Thank you for your generous support of Grand Circle Foundation, and the trust you place in our team to ensure your donation is used as intended.
Because all administration costs are funded by Grand Circle Corporation, 100% of all donations are tax deductible and returned to our partner sites.