When the smoke clears and the sirens fade, the crisis may seem over for our emergency services personnel. But for some, the battle has just begun.
Witnessing devastating situations can take its toll on first responders, and resources need to be in place to support those looking for help. That’s why Banff Emergency Services plans to start providing mental health support programs for all emergency service personnel throughout the Bow Valley.
Local emergency services are raising money to help pay for these support programs geared to first responders like firefighters, EMS and police officers who work from Exshaw to Lake Louise.
“The safety of first responders is incredibly important, and mental health is certainly a part of that,” said Banff Protective Services Manager and Fire Chief Silvio Adamo. “We developed a comprehensive health and wellness program for our Banff firefighters about three years ago and saw an opportunity to expand the program to include all first responders in the Bow Valley.”
They’re holding the second annual “Barn Burner” fundraiser on Saturday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Banff Trail Riders barn on Sundance Road. The evening includes a pig roast dinner, live band, and mechanical bull rides. Tickets are $40 each, and kids 12 and under are free. All money raised will go towards local mental health support programs for emergency response personnel.
The emergency services group hope to raise $5,000 this year, and use this event as an annual fundraiser for local mental health programs.
The Banff Ave. Brewing Co., Park Distillery, and the Banff Trail Riders are sponsoring the event, along with the Banff Transportation Group, which is offering discounted taxi fares to and from the fundraiser.
Tickets are available from Banff Town Hall, the Banff Trail Riders store downtown, or from any Banff firefighter.