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Firefighter calendar aids Alberni hosptial foundation

Port Alberni professional firefighters posing for a calender to help raise funds for the West Coast General Hospital Foundation.
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Port Alberni professional firefighter Ed Francoeur and other firefighters are posing for a calendar to help raise funds for the West Coast General Hospital Foundation. The calendar is featuring firefighters interacting with the public

Drumming up fundraising ideas for the West Coast General Hospital Foundation has turned into a calendar featuring the Alberni Valley’s professional firemen.

Firefighter Ed Francoeur—who serves as the WCGH Hospital Foundation  chairperson—confirmed that firefighters from the Port Alberni Fire Department are part of the project.

The calendar will feature pictures of firefighters and equipment at local landmarks and interacting with community members.

Local professional photographer Erica Watson of Stirling Images Photography is shooting the pictures, which will continue to be taken throughout July.

Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will go towards supporting the foundation.

It’s the first time local firefighters have participated in a calendar project, Francoeur said.

The firefighters didn’t want to be involved in a steamy beefcake-type calendar. “Combining scenery in Port Alberni with firefighters and the public is something that appeals to everyone,” he said.

The calendar idea came about last year from foundation secretary Pauline Richmond who was percolating fundraising ideas.

The foundation raises money to buy equipment that costs over and above the hospital’s budget.

They’ve raised funds to purchase the CT scanner that is in use at WCGH right now.

And they are raising funds to help pay for chair lifts.

“The calendar is more about supporting the foundation than it is about the guys,” Francoeur said.

reporter@albernivalleynews.com