VANCOUVER, June 15, 2015 /CNW/ - This Sunday, June 21st the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund is set to reveal a very special piece of artwork at the Car Free Days event on Main Street. Located on the building's south wall, a photo tribute to the fire fighters of our province will be revealed for the very first time. You are invited to come and meet our provinces' fire fighters and enjoy the official ceremony, hosted by Dawn Chubai of Breakfast Television, which starts promptly at 2:00pm. The Burn Fund Centre is currently under construction on the corner of East 23rd and Main Street, Vancouver, B.C.
The man behind the camera, who has generously donated his time and creativity, is Vancouver photographer Allan de la Plante. In addition to providing the poignant image for the wall, Allan is busily photo-documenting the entire construction process of the Burn Fund Centre.
"The Burn Fund Centre was an idea borne from the visionary fire fighters of our province who recognized that providing this type of accommodation was absolutely essential. Fuelled by this understanding, they went about making it their utmost priority and have worked diligently to enable the project to become a reality", states Michael Hurley, President of the Burn Fund.
Twenty-seven professional Fire Fighter Locals from across the province have proudly contributed an extraordinary total of $1.3 million dollars through a combination of community fundraisers along with personal payroll deductions to assist with the $13.1 million project.
"In addition, we are working on this project with some very generous individuals and companies. To date the Burn Fund has received a $4 million investment from the Province of British Columbia; a $2.5 million donation from the Jack & Darlene Poole Foundation; a $2.4 million donation of land from the City of Vancouver; and $825,000 in donations and services from Concert Properties."
"Such generous donations have certainly contributed to moving this project ahead at an accelerated pace", commented Michael Hurley.
The Burn Fund Centre will provide 8 short-term stay, free of charge, furnished accommodation suites with communal great room; library; outdoor spaces and family kitchen. Answering a critical unmet need, the Centre will be a home away from home for British Columbians needing to travel to Vancouver under emergency circumstances for medical treatment due to burn and major trauma injuries; patients in hospital discharge transition; or returning for follow up treatment. The Centre will also continue to offer its current Burn & Safety Awareness Education and Survivor Programs & Resources. The street level retail component will help sustain the ongoing operation of the Centre.
"Providing accommodation for burn and trauma survivors and their families can be one of the most significant contributions to assist survivors physically and emotionally recover and live a full life", says Michael Hurley. "We're determined to give survivors in British Columbia the best chance at recovery with this new home-away-from-home."
Each year almost 700 children and adults from across the province are admitted to the BCPFF Burn, Plastic and Trauma Unit at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children's Hospital suffering serious trauma. A critical shortfall in provincial accommodation means a patient's health may be compromised when they have to return home sooner than medically advised or live in accommodations not suited to recovery from a burn or trauma injury.
How can you help? Make a donation today. We are grateful for every donation received and you can help lift us a few more steps up the ladder to create the best place for burn and trauma survivors.
Donations accepted on our website burnfund.org or contact our office 604-436-5617.
The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund has been providing Burn Prevention and Survivor Support programs, and funding medical care and training for the people of British Columbia and the Yukon for almost four decades. The Burn Fund's vision is built by more than 3,900 professional fire fighters from 53 communities in British Columbia and the Yukon who dedicate their funds, time and expertise.
"Join BC's Professional Fire Fighters this Sunday, June 21st as they unveil their Burn Fund Centre tributary wall artwork. The building is one of the first in North America to use this remarkable style of photo concrete technology."
SOURCE British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund
Image with caption: "Join BC's Professional Fire Fighters this Sunday, June 21st as they unveil their Burn Fund Centre tributary wall artwork. The building is one of the first in North America to use this remarkable style of photo concrete technology. (Image credit: Vividus Design Inc.) (CNW Group/British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150615_C5747_PHOTO_EN_18090.jpg
Michael Hurley, President; Gord Ditchburn, Secretary/Treasurer, Suite 463 - 4800 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4J2, Office: 604 436-5617, Fax: 604 436-3057, www.burnfund.org
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