The Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department has wonderful news!
We have received a donation from Bill and Nancy Myckatyn of Horsefly Lake in the amount of $50,000 to go toward building a new fire hall. Our fundraising goal is $200,000 and we now have well over 25 per cent in the bank.
This donation gives us leveraging ability to obtain further funding from other organizations.
Bill and Nancy Myckatyn have been property owners in Horsefly for 20 years and permanent residents for the last 10 years.
Nancy (nee Telford) is from Alexis Creek and Williams Lake.
Bill started his mining career as a junior mine engineer at Gibraltar Mine in 1972.
They returned to Williams Lake in 1991 after working in various parts of the world, including the Philippines and Australia. Their two daughters completed their schooling in Williams Lake.
They bought their property on Horsefly Lake in 1992 and built their current home in 2002.
“This donation is a way for us to give back to the community which we love being a part of,” say the Myckatyns.
“An organization like the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department is funded entirely from grants and donations and local fees.
“As a result, new building projects often take a back seat to just being able to provide basic emergency services.
The existing building uses a huge chunk of the operating budget just to heat it and does not adequately house the equipment to operate the station.
“We are thrilled to be able to help kick off their $200,000 fundraising effort to build and properly equip a new fire hall.”
The Myckatyns say they are looking forward to working with Cecil Morhart and his team to help access other funds and materials in kind.
“We know that both operating mines in the area have employees that live in the Horsefly area and that all the mills in Williams Lake access or have accessed timber from this area, so we will be talking to these companies to get their help,” the Myckatyns say.
“Fundraising efforts over the winter will put us in good shape to break ground next spring.”
The members of the Horsefly Volunteer Fire Department would like to wish everyone in Horsefly a safe and happy holiday!