Item 4: Signed Adam Lowry game used Hockey Stick
Item 4: Signed Adam Lowry game used Hockey Stick
My name is Mike Norris and I have been a firefighter with the Calgary Fire Department for 13 years. I have been planning and putting together a fundraiser for the Firefighter Assistance Charitable Society (FACS) for the past several months and all money received from the auction items will go towards FACS.
FACS is a CRA registered charity that provides funding and support for firefighters (both active and retired) as well as their families who are struggling with mental health issues, PTSD, substance abuse and Addiction. FACS funds the peer support teams for 4 different fire locals in Alberta (Calgary, Red Deer, Cochrane and Lethbridge).
Research has shown that First Responders and Public Safety Personal screen positive for a mental health disorder at a staggering 50%. However, with education and access to resources (such as peer support teams), that number falls to 38% which is massive drop. There are many other studies and stats I could give you, but I think this gives you a snap shot as to why I believe this is important.
Starting Sept 12 for 4 days (Sept 12-15), I will be running to every fire station in Calgary. The total distance will be 225 km (roughly 55km per day). I will be stopping at every fire station to bring attention to the challenges we face as a department and educate our members on the resources available, and how to access them. I will also continue to try and raise money so that we can better fund these resources.
These items have been generously donated by friends and organizations who believe in what I am doing and I am extremely grateful for their support.