Latest News
The Burn Fund runs programs for burn survivors in addition to raising money for specialized equipment and training.
Photo submitted
Burn Fund making a difference to many
By Hannah Scott, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Published 12:44 PDT, Fri June 5, 2020
Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Wed May 12, 2021
—
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is making a difference in the lives of burn survivors and their families.
Funds raised go towards the purchase of specialty equipment and opportunities to educate staff on techniques and initiatives to enhance care.
The equipment might otherwise be impossible to purchase due to restricted funding in the healthcare system, says Suzie Logie, patient services manager at Vancouver General Hospital’s burn, trauma and high acuity unit.
“That specialty equipment has hastened and enhanced (burn survivors’) recovery so they can get back into the community and resume the productive lives they had before,” she adds.
Every year, BC’s Hometown Heroes lottery raises money to support VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation and programs run by the Burn Fund.
Raising funds is particularly important this year—COVID-19 forced the cancellation of several fundraising opportunities. Also cancelled were the annual survivor conference and Burn Camp, which provides connection opportunities to young burn survivors.
Aside from Burn Camp, the Burn Fund also runs several other programs. “Too Hot for Tots” is an education program that brings awareness to pediatric thermal injuries. There’s an adult burn survivor program called “The Future is Mine,” and a mental resiliency program aimed at helping first responders with mental health.
Over the years, Logie says she’s encountered some inspiring burn survivors.
“I get very inspired by their journeys, where they want to go and how they want to navigate themselves through this and get better,” Logie adds.
And the dedication of the Burn Fund team is clear, too.
“Those who are donating their time are there out of compassion and dedication to enhancing the lives of burn survivors and their families,” she says. “They’re all there in their own time or working full time or even retired firefighters, and they keep coming back with the common goal of wanting to help.”
Ticket sales for the 2020 Hometown Heroes Lottery run until July 23. There are over 3,000 prizes worth over a total of $3.1 million, including luxury homes, appliances, furniture, cars and cash. Tickets can be purchased online at www.heroeslottery.com, by phone, 604-648-4376, or 1-866-597-4376, or in-person at any London Drugs.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
