Carly Pollard, marketing manager at Boundary Ford and chair of the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation, was all smiles while posing for a photo with Lloydminster Rescue Squad deputy chief Ryan LeBlanc at the 7th Annual Sirens and Sapphires Gala. Supplied Photo
It was a sold-out night at the Lloyd Ex as the Lloydminster Rescue Squad (LRS) held its 7th Annual Sirens and Sapphires Gala, bringing in a newly-released total of $345,000 for the purchase of a new Video Ray Defender.
The Defender is a remotely operated underwater vehicle the rescue squad is hoping to have in time for boating season. This new tool will help the LRS immensely with underwater search and recovery efforts.
As usual, this year’s event, held earlier this month, included cocktails, dinner, a live and silent auction, as well as live entertainment.
As reported, Boundary Ford was the evening’s platinum sponsor, but they also stunned everyone in the room with a surprise $100,000 donation through the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation.
Cenovus Energy also stepped up in a major way with a second $100,000 donation, leaving LRS chief, Norm Namur, speechless.
“I think our Galas keep getting better every year,” he said.
“We were so grateful for everyone who participated, especially our sponsors, and Boundary Ford and Cenovus for their donations of $100,000 each for our new underwater ROV project.”
Namur explained the squad is looking forward to obtaining this new equipment to enhance its search and rescue capabilities.
“With this piece of equipment, and the new technology it has, I think it’s going to give us an opportunity to participate in searches all across western Canada,” he said.
Carly Pollard, marketing manager at Boundary Ford and chair of the Boundary Ford Gives Foundation, was thrilled to present the squad with a cheque for $100,000 and said it was a very special evening.
“We know the job the rescue squad does is not easy. It’s not something everyone can do, and we know the services they provide are not just for the community of Lloydminster, it’s also for the surrounding area,” she said.
“The piece of equipment they wanted to fundraise for is also special because there’s only going to be two in Canada. That’s pretty remarkable and it will allow them to expand their services further while also bringing closure to families looking for lost loved ones.”
Kent Miller, Cenovus’s director of the Lloydminster Upgrader, stated “We support the Lloydminster Rescue Squad because we believe in keeping the communities where we live and work safe and resilient.”
“The rescue squad, a non-profit organization with dedicated volunteers, has been providing emergency services and technical rescue to the Lloydminster area since 1984. Our donation towards the purchase of a new remotely-operated underwater vehicle will help ensure the rescue squad has the equipment it needs to safely respond in the event of an emergency.”
Namur also wanted to extend thanks to the evening’s gold sponsors, Fountain Tire, New Cart Contracting, Stingray, Meridian Source, and 106.1 The Goat.
“We simply cannot thank you enough for your sponsorship and support of the Gala.”
