Newly sworn-in Mayor Pete Fry visited City Hall Canada Line Station on Friday to support Vancouver Firefighter Charities’ Umbrella Day fundraiser for feeding kids in need.
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Newly sworn-in Vancouver mayor Pete Fry stopped by City Hall Canada Line Station on Friday, Nov. 6, to show his support for Vancouver Firefighter Charities at the annual Umbrella Day fundraiser.
The event raises money to help feed children facing food insecurity, with off-duty firefighters volunteering time to sell the umbrellas, including VFC executive director Eric Himmelman. Himmelman said, "Today is Umbrella Day, and I am here with our amazing volunteers," adding that the charity has been holding the fundraiser for almost 15 years and is aiming to raise $15,000 for its programs.
He said Umbrella Day began to support the VFC’s Snacks for Kids program, which provides nutrition for up to 12,000 food-insecure students at more than 100 Vancouver schools.
Himmelman described the fundraiser as a way to prepare for Vancouver’s rainy season, saying it helps the VFC "shield local kids and families from those grey days" by raising funds for programs that brighten spirits in the community.
Umbrellas were set to be available at City Centre Station (Granville and Georgia), Yaletown Roundhouse (Davie and Mainland) and City Hall Station (Cambie and Broadway) until 4 p.m. on Friday. The umbrellas cost $30, and donations could also be made by cash and card.
Organizers said the limited-edition grey umbrellas can withstand winds up to 55 kilometres per hour and are made from recycled water bottles; firefighter Malcom MacRitchie said, "You can feel good that you're saving the planet and the kids."
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