The Johnston-Grimes Professional Firefighters Local 4835 has been designing and selling t-shirts for six years to raise money for breast cancer awareness. Through a proclamation, members of the department are approved to wear the breast cancer shirts while on duty through October. On Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, the money raised was given to a local resident who is battling the disease.
“Being able to give back to a resident within the community is certainly a humbling experience,” said Joe Hoium, Firefighter/Paramedic and Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Committee Chair. “It was a record year with sales, and we were able to donate $2,000 to our recipient. Bringing the members together to present the donation is such an overwhelming mix of emotions, but one that comes with much satisfaction knowing we were able to make a difference.”
Local 4835 is proud to report that all proceeds raised are donated to the recipient each year. This is one of the biggest fundraisers for Local 4835. They enjoy seeing the community come together to support a resident in either Grimes or Johnston, who is battling breast cancer or is a breast cancer survivor.
The recipient can use the funds however they wish. This could include medical bills, ongoing treatment, or a family vacation. “We simply cannot express in words how lucky we feel to be able to give back in this way, and we appreciate the communities support to help us each year,” Hoium said.