The Buffalo Grove chapter of Project Fire Buddies is currently selling branded T-shirts and hoodies to raise money for the nonprofit organization’s efforts to support children with critical illnesses.
Firefighter and paramedic Mike Manka, who is also the president of PFB’s Buffalo Grove chapter, said “every shirt and hoodie that we sell goes towards our organization and really helps us meet the organization’s needs.”
According to its CEO and Founder Kurt DeGroot, Project Fire Buddies was created at Oak Forest Fire Department in late 2016 as a means for first responders to provide support for severely ill children in the community and their families in the form of personal visits, gift drives and fundraisers – among other events.
The organization has since become a growing network of over 30 chapters, all of which are located in the Chicagoland area. According to DeGroot, Project Fire Buddies is also looking to expand and eventually become a nationwide.
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“Once you build a relationship with these families, you realize that it really needs to be in every firehouse. So it kind of ignites a fire in you,” said DeGroot.
In a Buffalo Grove chapter news release, officials said PFB Buffalo Grove is currently seeking to sponsor a child in the community who has a serious illness. Manka stated that if a sponsor is found, funds will be raised specifically on that child’s behalf.
Families interested in applying for sponsorship, or anyone who knows a family that may benefit, are highly encouraged to fill out a contact form at projectfirebuddies.org.
“We really want to make sure that we’re getting the word out, spreading as much awareness as we possibly can,” said Manka.
DeGroot said the organization is a way for first responders “to go above and beyond our call and to give back to these kids and families. It’s such a rewarding thing that it refills the cup of every first responder that’s involved. And it’s a great thing.”
Orders for the T-shirts can be made online at vbg.org/PFBshirts. The deadline to order is Nov. 8.
Joseph Arnone is a freelancer.