The Terrace barbecue fundraiser last week raised $5,438 for those affected by the Telegraph Creek wildfires.
The Terrace Professional Firefighters, in partnership with the mayor, council and Mr. Mikes, served up burgers for $5 each outside the Terrace Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 16.
Jeff Minhinnick, president of the local firefighters union 2685, said they ran out of burgers within the first half hour and went back and forth to restock multiple times. Their original goal was to sell 250 patties, and by 2 p.m. they had sold around 650 burgers for the fire relief fund.
“We’ve had a huge turnout from Terrace, we’ve had people wrapped right around the block pretty much since we started,” he said.
READ MORE: Terrace to hold fundraiser for Telegraph Creek fire evacuees
City councillor Sean Bujtas was helping take orders and collect cash donations, and he said the amount of money people gave far exceeded the $5 amount.
“People are just walking up and handing us money, not even buying our burgers,” Bujtas said at the event. “Somebody came up with $300 cash and just handed me that - $250, $50 in buying one burger. It’s overwhelming how many people we have come out.”
Mayor Carol Leclerc also lent a hand during the barbecue, and also speaking at the scene, said the response was “mind-boggling.”
“It’s been over the top, they ran out of patties within the first 20 minutes, 200 more came in and now they’ve gone out to get another 100 and then the line has been steady the whole time,” Leclerc said. “The generosity has been over the top.”
She said it’s hugely important that the city comes out and supports another community in need.
“You just put yourself in their shoes, and you would be so appreciative I think if you were in the state they’re in, that you’d be happy another community has opened its arms in coming to help.”
Terrace firefighter Jason Arsenault dropped off the cheque donation to the Tahltan Fire Relief Fund at the Terrace donation centre (5412 Hwy 16) Aug. 19 to help those displaced by the Telegraph Creek fires.
brittany@terracestandard.com
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