Heroes in more ways than one (3 photos)

They save lives every day in Sault Ste. Marie through their skills as paramedics.

Above and beyond that, Sault EMS paramedics stationed themselves with ambulances at two Sault grocery stores (Food Basics in Wellington Square on Trunk Road and Joe's No Frills on Korah Road between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday) to enrich the lives of those in need during the Christmas season.

“We’re collecting (non-perishable) food, diapers, baby formula, anything families may need, along with cash donations, to the Soup Kitchen. From there, they will distribute as needed and use it in their kitchen,” said Nicole Levesque, Sault paramedic, speaking to SooToday at Food Basics, an ambulance waiting to stockpile donations from the public for transport to the Soup Kitchen.

It’s a Christmas season tradition Sault EMS paramedics have been observing since 2012, said paramedic Brian Haines.

“There’s definitely a need, especially at this time of year with Christmas around the corner. Some parents are trying to balance trying to feed their families and being able to provide gifts for their kids, their loved ones,” Haines said.

In October, paramedics were on hand at Rome’s and the Trunk Road Food Basics location collecting funds for breast cancer research and for chemotherapy patients to purchase wigs, raising approximately $3,000 for that cause.

“I took part in last December’s Helping the Hungry event. Brian took the lead, and he does it so well. I enjoy volunteering and if we’re able to alleviate some of the stress families feel at Christmas, I think that’s a great thing. It’s important to me because Christmas is a special time in my family and I want every other family to be able to experience the joys of it,” Levesque said.

“It’s good for us to be out in the community, out there in our uniforms, because a lot of people don’t fully know what paramedics do. We’ll see some patients we’ve had in the past and they’re always so grateful. It’s great interaction,” Levesque said.

“It’s nice to give back to the community. Lots of times we’re in homes where we see people who don’t have a lot. Economically, in the Sault there are people out of work and looking for work, so for us to be able to contribute to the Soup Kitchen makes you feel great,” Haines said.

Since 2012, Sault EMS paramedics have collected 14,996 pounds of non-perishable food items and $27,577.19 in monetary donations for the Soup Kitchen.