Charities Committee

The Maple Ridge Fire Department Charities Committee began their fundraising efforts in 2002. One of the firefighter's family members was diagnosed with cancer so the firefighters rallied together and organized a head shave in support of cancer research. The event grew to incorporate all of the emergency services in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and was held at the annual Home Show in May. Members of the Maple Ridge Fire Department, Pitt Meadows Fire Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ridge-Meadows Search & Rescue and British Columbia Ambulance Service obtained sponsorship to shave their heads. Visitors to the Home Show also made donations, bid on spectacular raffle items and had the opportunity to have their heads shaved for a cash donation. All proceeds went to the Maple Ridge Hospital Oncology Unit.

Over time, several other events were organized to support the Friends in Need Food Bank, Christmas Hamper Society, Vancouver General Hospital / BC Children's Hospital Burn Units, and Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Review a summary of our charity funds (PDF).

CPR Holiday Train

When the CPR Holiday Train makes its stop in Maple Ridge in December, the members of the Maple Ridge Fire Department and their Youth Academy participate at the event collecting food and money for the Friends in Need Food Bank. A cheque from the Food Drive is presented at this event.

Cares Enough to Wear Pink

Every October you may notice something different about our Maple Ridge firefighters. In an effort to support patients and their families impacted by breast cancer, Maple Ridge Firefighters (IAFF Local 4449) join an international emergency responder campaign "Cares Enough to Wear Pink." These community first responders exchange their regular duty shirt for pink t-shirts to help raise breast cancer awareness in a campaign to honour those fighting cancer.

Firefighters Car Wash

Join the Maple Ridge Fire Department for their annual car wash at the Baptist Church on Lougheed Highway and 222 Street. All proceeds are donated to the Vancouver General Hospital Burn Unit.

Food Drive

In December every year, firefighters and members of the Youth Academy spend the day outside each of the major grocery stores in Maple Ridge and collect food and cash in support of the Friends in Need Food Bank and the Christmas Hamper Society.

Hospital Gala Dinner

Since 2010, Maple Ridge firefighters have provided a catered dinner as an auction item at the annual Ridge Meadows Hospital Gala. The dinner, complete with wine, is cooked and served by firefighters at the winning bidder's home. Bidding for this auction item continues to be competitive.


Muscular Dystrophy

Firefighters in Canada have supported Muscular Dystrophy since 1954 with various fundraising efforts. In the fall, the Maple Ridge Fire Department participates in a nationally recognized Boot Drive. The department is at all three Save-on-Foods locations bagging groceries, providing information on and accepting donations to support Muscular Dystrophy.