Last week the Castlegar and District Fire Chiefs Association made two financial donations, totaling nearly $3,000, to the Kootenay Animal Assistance Program and Community Harvest Food Bank.
The association has a deep-rooted history in Castlegar and surrounding areas.
In 1982, as fire departments organized in the area, they realized situations would arise where they would need to rely on neighbouring departments for support.
To ensure an appropriate system of policies were in place, departments from Castlegar, Robson, Pass Creek, Celgar and Tarrys formed the Castlegar and District Fire Chiefs Association.
As new departments were established at Blueberry Creek, Ootischenia, Crescent Valley, Passmore, Slocan, Beasley and Blewett, they became members of the association.
Last month, the remaining departments determined the association was no longer required since its spirit and intent has been incorporated into the Regional District of Central Kootenay Fire Chiefs Association, which also oversees regional emergency planning.
The association decided it would like to leave a legacy in the community by donating its remaining funds to local charities, including the Kootenay Animal Assistance Program and the Castlegar Community Harvest Food Bank.
