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Big Lake Volunteer Fire/Rescue receives generous donation

$20,000 donated for new fire truck
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Photo submitted Donna Brinoni presents a cheque for $20,000 to Big Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Joel Bruneski in memory of her late husband, Mario, who was a volunteer with the Big Lake Volunteer Fire and Rescue. The money will be used to fund a badly-needed new fire engine.

Big Lake Volunteer Fire/Rescue was treated to a wonderful surprise last week when Donna Brinoni presented Fire Chief Joel Bruneski with a cheque for $20,000.

The cheque was given in memory of Donna’s husband Mario who was a member of the department for eight years starting back in 1998. Mario passed away in 2009 in a vehicle accident near 100 Mile House.

“Over the years he was not only fun to work with but he also brought a lot of knowledge to our department from his history on mine rescue teams as well as being a first aid attendant,” said Bruneski.

“Mario and Donna were both part of our medical First Responder program.”

Bruneski said Donna requested the money go towards the replacement of the department’s fire engine.

One of the requirements that the department must meet for certification is that the age of its apparatus must be less than 20 years old.

“Our engine is due for replacement but we do not have the funds to do so. This huge donation gets us closer to that goal,” Bruneski said.

“This generous gift will benefit everyone who lives in Big Lake so we wish to express our overwhelming thanks to Donna from both the fire department and the community.”



Angie Mindus

About the Author: Angie Mindus

A desire to travel led me to a full-time photographer position at the Williams Lake Tribune in B.C.’s interior.
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