Port Moody firefighters will be serving pancakes for about 4,000 of their closest friends July 2 and 3.
That’s a lot of flapjacks and little packets of maple syrup.
But after two years of diminished events because of COVID-19 public health restrictions, members of the Port Moody Firefighters Society are thrilled to be able to give up two days of their Canada Day long weekend to welcome the community back with open arms and poised spatulas at the city’s Inlet Centre Fire Hall (150 Newport Dr.).
Head organizer Luka Pavicic said while he’s expecting a full contingent of firefighters to help out, the prospect of serving so many people is a little daunting after a virtual event in 2020 and smaller-scale pre-booked breakfast event last summer.
“It’s kind of the first one to be back to normal,” he said. “We could be in for a bit of a shock.”
In preparation, the firefighters have been gathering supplies from generous local merchants, like Thrifty’s, McDonalds and Dairy Queen. They’ve also assembled a hefty roster of items for the breakfast’s complementary silent auction. Those include:
- gift cards to Coquitlam Centre
- Seattle Mariners’ tickets
- BC Lions’ tickets
- golf at Westwood Plateau
- spa days
- VIP seating at the pancake breakfast
- an autographed Vancouver Canucks’ jersey
As well, the jackpot for the 50/50 draw is already north of $2,200.
All of the money raised goes to support local organizations like the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, SHARE, the fish hatcheries at Noons and Mossom creeks, as well as the Crossroads Hospice Society.
Pavicic said while the task of organizing and hosting so many guests for breakfast may seem enormous, the firefighters are eager to commune with their community again.
“We’re a small department but the guys give up a lot,” he said. “One of the biggest things about being a firefighter is the public interaction.”
There will be more on the breakfast menu than just pancakes and sausages though. Many of the department’s trucks will be rolled out of the station so kids can get a chance to jump into the driver’s seat for a firefighter’s eye view of the event. Some might even get the opportunity to handle a hose.
It’s all about showing residents firefighters are there for them, no matter how large or small the need.
“It’s great to be welcoming the public back,” Pavicic said.
• The 45th Port Moody Firefighters Charitable Foundation pancake breakfast runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon on both days.
