Firefighters respond to call from men's shelter

When SooToday.com ran a story recently about a food drive at the new Vincent Place Men's Shelter, local firefighters were quick to answer the call.

Shown in our photo are Rob Greve, president of the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters Association and association secretary Murray McGrath, with Steve Barrett of Pino's Get Fresh Foods, all involved today in delivering a truckload of food to the men's shelter.

The following is a news release from the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Firefighters Association

************************************************ Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters Association, respond to food drive appeal On Tuesday, February 24th, 2004, SooToday.com placed an article about the St. Vincent's food drive.

The SSMPFFA immediately responded and contacted Mr. Helwig (who was pleased to help) in order to obtain the number for St. Vincent's.

Susan Chuipka, executive director of St. Vincent's (222 Albert St. E.) was contacted and a list of needed supplies was established.

The SSMPFFA then approached Mr. Ben Pino, of Pino's Get Fresh grocery store to see if he would prepare the purchase order for pick-up by their members to deliver.

Mr. Pino did not hesitate to help, and generously offered to throw in a sustaintial amount of groceries to help the cause.

He has also allowed a drop box be placed at the main doors of the store to allow his customers the opportuniy to donate to this worthy cause as well.

The food was delivered Monday March 29, 2004 and was appreciatively accepted by Susan Chuipka, executive director of St. Vincents. Mr. Pino has always supported our association by allowing us the privilege of selling our annual boat draw tickets on the store property.

Having good sales locations has been the key to our success over the years and is greatly appreciated.

The funds raised from this event goes to help local charities within our community, such as St. Vincent's. History of the SSMPFFA boat draw In 1951 a Firefighter by the name of Unto Tottila put up money to purchase a small boat and motor.

With the help of Firefighter Al Maki, they built a trailer for the boat.

This was to be the prize for the First Annual Firefighters Boat Draw.

Tickets were 25 cebts each or a book of six for a dollar. The profits from this draw were to be used to purchase toys and equipment for the children at the Childrens aid Society, 96 Great Northern Rd., where the Royal Canadian Legion is now located.

Years later when the home closed down, City Hall would inform the Firefighters of needy families in the City and profits from the Draw would be used to help these families out. After more than fifty years and over one million tickets being sold, the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Fire Fighters have donated in excess of $400,000.00 to charities and local people in need.