Giving Tuesday Non-Profit Spotlight: Ahmeek Village Fire and Rescue Department

Since 1909 volunteer in the village of Ahmeek have dedicated their time to training, saving lives, and getting involved with the community. The small town’s local fire and rescue department was the first local first responder group to join Giving Tuesday. Since then Ahmeek Fire Department has been able to upgrade and purchase new equipment for its new fire engine. This year the department says it has three plans for where money will go. Personal protective equipment for a new firefighter, continuing the department’s Christmas tradition for local kids, and helping fund upgrades in Gabriel Chopp Park.

“I believe for some children that may be the only Christmas they have. So we need to continue that tradition and continue to fund that as best we can. Our second priority for this year’s funds will be to purchase new equipment for a new firefighter. And it costs approximately 5,000 dollars to outfit that person. The third priority for any funding we receive will go to help complete some unfinished projects in Gabriel Chopp Park. We have a great recreational plan developed, a five-year plan, however, there are still many unfunded portions of that. ” Michael DeFina, Grants Coordinator, Ahmeek Village Fire and Rescue Department

The Ahmeek Village Fire Department grants coordinator and volunteer firefighter Michael DeFina says that he’s happy to see a couple of other first responders-focused groups joining the day of giving. Because rural areas are prominent in the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the need for new volunteers, he adds, that giving Tuesday funds greatly impacts departments’ ability to provide the necessary training and equipment to save lives.

“It’s great to see additional organizations joining in on this event. It’s been a great run for the past three years, now into our fourth year with Giving Tuesday. And it’s fantastic to see the different new organizations have a chance to participate and hopefully, everyone can get a slice of the pie. There are a lot of meaningful non-profits out there that do a lot of good in our communities. Almost anything from A to Z the services they provide to the community are quite important.” Michael DeFina, Grants Coordinator, Ahmeek Village Fire and Rescue Department

Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation last year raised over 650,000 dollars from individuals in the community and from friends of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Annually the foundation has provided a match sum to add to the day of giving’s total. Adding up to over 2.7 million dollars spread throughout the copper country over the past six years. Find more information about Giving Tuesday with the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation here and more about the Ahmeek Village Fire Department here.