Four Virginia Fire Fighters to Kayak 1,000 Miles for Charity

April 2, 2008 – Four members of Virginia Beach, VA Local 2924 are taking on the ultimate kayaking challenge. Mark Hundley, Ray Irizarry, Mark Sturgis and Paul Gleaton will be paddling the Intercoastal Waterway from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Virginia Beach, Virginia, May 19-June 30, 2008, to raise money for the Shriners Burns Institutes.

Local 2924 fire fighters Sturgis and Gleaton made the same trip for the same charity 10 years ago

“This will certainly be a challenge, but we are training hard and we will be ready,” says Hundley. “It’s worth it because the money will help some very special children. They are our focus.”

There are four Shriners Hospitals for Children specializing in burn treatment: Galveston, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; Cincinnati, Ohio and Sacramento, California. The facilities treat pediatric burn injuries and related scarring. Physical and emotional rehabilitation are also offered.

Ten years ago, Virginia Beach Local 2924 kayakers raised $10,000. The group is hoping to double that total this year.

To donate, send checks to:

Virginia Beach Professional Fire Fighters
3419 Virginia Beach Blvd., B-3
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
Attn: VBFD Kayak Team