The Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society (SFFCS) continues its ongoing commitment to local health care and community development. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the organization has worked to fulfill needs not met in the community, with a special focus on Surrey’s children, youth, and families.
“We started this back in 1994 with the vision of giving back to our community,” said Saverio Lattanzio, Surrey, B.C., Local 1271 president and British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Vice President, Fraser Valley region. “It’s remarkable to see how much our efforts have grown.”
Among their most significant recent contributions is a $100,000 pledge toward new cardiac catheterization labs (Cath labs) at Surrey Memorial Hospital. According to the hospital, the Cath labs will enhance their ability to diagnose and treat cardiovascular issues before they escalate into serious conditions like heart attacks or strokes. This donation brings the organization’s total contributions to the hospital to over $1.5 million since 1993.
We started this back in 1994 with the vision of giving back to our community. It’s remarkable to see how much our efforts have grown.
Saverio Lattanzio, Surrey, B.C., Local 1271 president
The organization is also involved in a multi-year campaign supporting Peace Arch Hospital. Partnering with White Rock, B.C., Local 2407, the “Match the Pledge” campaign pledges to match all donations up to $500,000 for medical imaging equipment. Lattanzio says this initiative has gained “substantial community interest and support.”
“We are getting close to the end of this campaign and are cautiously optimistic about meeting our goal,” said Lattanzio. “It’s inspiring to see the community rally around these vital causes.”
The organization’s fundraising efforts span a range of activities and programs. Lattanzio says their annual payroll deduction program raised $130,000 this year, while events such as the Mayor’s Gala, which raised over $500,000 last year, are expected to repeat that success this year. Other initiatives include the Ignite a Dream event, which funds student scholarships, and the Battle of The Brews, supporting youth programs.
A standout initiative is the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Nutritional Snack Program Society, which provides essential food supplies to 10 percent of the 82,000 students in the district. Lattenzio says the program, which costs nearly $500,000 annually, involves extensive volunteer effort and significant financial support.
Dylan Van Rooyen, Local 1271 vice president, highlighted the connection between their work and their roles as fire fighters and emergency medical workers. “We see firsthand the ongoing needs of patients, and our charitable efforts are about ensuring our community gets the best possible care. Our recent campaign with Peace Arch Hospital for mental health and medical imaging reflects this commitment,” he said.
It’s heartening to see people not just donating money but also their time.
dylan van rooyen, local 1271 vice president
Van Rooyen also attributed the organization’s success to growing community involvement, citing a rise in both donations and volunteerism. “It’s heartening to see people not just donating money but also their time. Our upcoming fundraiser will see a significant number of community volunteers, which makes a huge difference.”
For more information on how to contribute or get involved, visit Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society’s website.
