District of West Vancouver firefighters are coming to the rescue of those whose celebratory plans have been extinguished due to COVID-19.
West Vancouver resident Clara Coles likely didn’t expect to have to celebrate her 105th birthday in isolation while practising strict physical distancing due to the ongoing pandemic, however, the firefighters’ Birthday Rescue Operation meant she at least got to experience some of the typical birthday-related bright lights and big sounds on her special day.
“It made our crews feel very good, it made her feel very good,” said Tim Perry, president of West Vancouver Firefighters Charitable Society.
The charitable society has partnered with Enhance West Van to help brighten West Vancouverites’ birthdays or other celebratory milestones which have likely had to be put on hold while people are stuck at home.
Crews have made upwards of 20 birthday rescues in the last few weeks, according to Perry, adding celebrations have included drive-bys for local youngsters, seniors and older adults, to teens who have had their graduation ceremonies put on hold.
“We’re pretending it’s almost like a call – we come in a block away with our lights and sirens, we put up a happy birthday symbol on the side of the truck,” said Perry. “We’re taking each case individually and trying to make a connection.”
District of North Vancouver firefighters have been doing lights-and-siren birthday drive-bys for kids and seniors stuck inside during the COVID-19 pandemic since last month.
West Vancouver firefighters currently have 60 requests being processed for their Birthday Rescue Operation.
The program is open to West Vancouver residents of all ages and is currently running until June 15, at which point the department, charitable society and Enhance West Van will determine if it should be continued throughout the summer.
The charitable society and Enhance West Van have also partnered to raise money for COVID-19 food security programs in the community, added Perry.
Visit westvancouver.ca/home-building-property/emergency-preparedness/fire-rescue/charity-birthday-rescue to book a Birthday Rescue Operation from West Vancouver firefighters or learn more about their fundraising efforts in the community.
