LATEST NEWS
The leadership group of the Retired Firefighters Wellness Network is pleased to announce we have been granted society status and Incorporated by the Province of BC under the Society Act. With this news, we are now able to proceed with our plans to establish an effective Peer Support program for our retired brothers and sisters who have suffering in silence.
With that, we wish to take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude and thank the Executive of the Firefighters 314 Fraternal Benefit Society and their membership, for their generous donation. With this much needed financial support, it will undoubtedly benefit our retired members not only now, but well into the future.
We also want to recognize the leadership and dedication of Brother Don Symington who without his vision and inspiring leadership, this much needed support for those who are plagued with work related mental health issues, would most likely not ever been possible. Over the past many years Don has been a beacon of hope and understanding for the suffering. His compassion and level of selflessness for others is simply unmatched. Thank you Donny!, for who you are in providing such an shinning example of compassion for us to follow.
Today, the BC Firefighters Wellness Society (BCRFW Society) would also like to extend an invitation to retired members of both Local 18 & 323 to apply for membership. We are honoured to provide this opportunity free of charge, as a tribute to the longstanding relationship between our two groups and recognition of the 314 Founder’s vision. We believe this invitation is a testament to the enduring bond between our two great organizations and a reflection of our shared commitment to the mental and physical well-being of our retired firefighters. Last but by no means least we want to thank Bro. Doug MeRae for his generous donation of 130.00 from the proceeds of his social get together held last month. These funds will help defray some of the costs of “Puddles” Claim.
More information related to the Society’s structure and goals will be posted on the BCRFW Society web site, scheduled to be launched later this week, so please check back for details.
In other news, the Wellness Network continues to work towards an expanded Peer Referral Program. We expect to have our retired team members trained up well before the end of the year. More information will be posted on both our websites and FaceBook pages in the coming weeks, now that summer is winding down.
In closing , I would just like to add, we continue to deal with Dennis Wilson’s WorkSafe claim. Our legal counsel has made a formal appeal to the WorkSafe Review Board earlier this month. This is our third attempt to have his claim accepted. We remain hopefully the third run at it will be a charm.
Finally and on behalf of the leadership group, the under signed members of the Retired Firefighters Wellness Network we would like to thank you for your time and on going support.
Rick Kearney
John Hudson
Dave Kent (Local 323)
Rod Salas
Fraternally,
Mike Joy