EMS AND RCMP SPREAD THE GREEN

On Saturday, April 2nd, the Oakbank RCMP and the Springfield Fire
Department gathered together with their family, friends, residents and
neighbors as a small committee of determined individuals organized a dinner
and dance fundraiser in Dugald.

Approximately a year ago, Oakbank RCMP officer Rosanne Ross, approached the
Springfield Fire Department with the idea of organizing an event so that
she could continue raising funds for the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) program she commits herself to each year.

It didn't take much convincing before plans were underway and the very
successful fundraiser was scheduled.

"Our goal was to raise $2,000 however, with the support of many, we raised
just under $6,000," shared Springfield fire Chief Mike Purtill.

Officialy cheque presentations were made on April 12th at the Fire Hall in
Oakbank as the funds raised were divided between the Firefighters Burn
Fund, Oakbank DARE, and the Safe Grad Committee of 2005.

"Since we were serving alcohol at this event, we thought it would be
appropriate to establish a type of Operation Red Nose, so we asked those
behind the Safe Grad Committee [to help out]," explained Purtill. Marlene
Worsnop, a representative from the Grad Committee was on hand and
graciously accepted a cheque in the amount of $250 which will be applied to
the graduation events this year.

With so much more to give, the committee members presented $2800 to Martin
Johnson, Chairperson of the Firefighters Burn Fund, and RCMP officer
Rosanne Ross accepted the final $2800 cheque for the Oakbank Dare Program.

"Without the community and the support given, this would have never
happened. Several residents commented that we go bigger next year," said
the smiling Purtill.

Besides perhaps overselling their quota of tickets and the fact that the
dinner was a little late, the outpouring of support through this community
should not go unnoticed.

Oakbank native Ace Burpee of Hot 103 FM was MC for the evening, and
although his schedule was full that day and evening (with many events
surrounding the JUNO's), he came, and did an amazing job.

"He is a great guy and we really appreciated his time," said Dick Vlaming,
Springfield Fire Captain.

With the mishap of a power outage in the Cooks Creek area, where their
turkey dinner and all the extra's was being prepared by the ladies from the
Immaculate Conception Church, you certainly needed someone to entertain
those waiting at the event. Ace Burpee did just that and more.

"He was unbelievable," said Vlaming.

With a list of supporters to long to mention, the committee members would
like to thank all that contributed in their own ways.

Special thanks are extended to Ace Burpee, Lyncrest Airport and Poplar Press.