Anderson Trucking and its employees raised money to help the International Fire Relief Mission keep firefighters in developing countries safe.
St. Cloud, Minn.-based Anderson Trucking Inc. named the International Fire Relief Mission its charity of the month. In doing so, employees made cash donations to IFRM, which Anderson Trucking matched.
“In this difficult economy, it is especially hard to raise capital to keep our operation running,” said IFRM President Ron Gruening. “But the need for firefighting and EMS equipment in developing countries does not halt during down economic times — in fact, it gets worse. That makes the generous gift from Anderson Trucking all the more important, as it will help IFRM collect and deliver donated life-saving equipment to firefighters.”
The gift from Anderson will be used to help defray the cost of transporting firefighting and EMS equipment donated by fire departments in all regions of the United States back to IFRM’s warehouse. From there, the equipment is inspected, sorted and packaged for delivery to fire departments overseas. Before any equipment is sent, the fire departments requesting assistance are vetted to ensure the need is great and that there is a commitment from the local government to improve firefighter safety.
“Working with the local governments is a key part of IFRM’s commitment to our donors,” Gruening said. “Our mission is not merely to make a one-time gift, but to be a catalyst for lasting change in how governments view their responsibility to their fire services.”
Additionally, IFRM dispatches a team of firefighting professionals to the recipient country to ensure the equipment has arrived and to teach the local firefighters how to safely and effectively use the gear.
“Many of our recipient firefighters have never had full turnout gear or SCBA,” Gruening said. “We would be doing them a disservice if we simply dropped the equipment off with no follow up and instruction.”
This entire effort takes committed volunteers and money.
“We are fortunate to have devoted volunteers who want to make firefighters around the world safer,” Gruening said. “Monetary donations from companies like Anderson Trucking help us complete the puzzle of improving firefighter safety where it is most needed.”
Those who wish to donate to IFRM can contact Ron Gruening at rgruening@ifrm2007.com. All donations to IFRM are tax deductable.
About the International Fire Relief Mission
IFRM is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization who’s mission is to collect donated new and used fire and EMS equipment, deliver it to fire departments in developing nations and educate members of those fire departments on the equipment’s safe and proper use. IFRM is a nonreligious, nonpolitical group dedicated to saving firefighter and civilian lives. IFRM members do not draw a salary and all of the money raised is used to fulfilling the group’s mission. IFRM was formed in 2007 by retired emergency-response professionals. For more information, visit its website at www.ifrm2007.com.