MISSISSAUGA, ON – JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc. is proud to announce the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) located in the West Kootenay Region of British Columbia as the 2022 recipient of the KENWOOD Cares grant, which awards a non-profit volunteer organization with $10,000 in KENWOOD communications equipment twice a year.
Edgewood is a small, isolated community located in Inonoaklin Valley in the southern interior of BC. With a population of approximately 600, many of the area residents are retired. With humble beginnings in 2004, EVFD operated with only a siren mounted on a lamp standard at the Royal Canadian Legion to dispatch volunteers to a fire. Through grant programs and tireless fundraising efforts by the community, the department now has a proper fire hall and three trucks.
“Our present radio system is quite antiquated, being purchased second-hand from another fire hall six years ago. We realized the need to upgrade when we were placed on evacuation alert and needed to communicate with multiple agencies,” said Floyd Webber, President of the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department Society. “The last wildfire we had taught us a lot about what we need. Training and working with other agencies such as BC wildfire
personnel, RDCK (Regional District of Central Kootenay) supervisors, and helicopters when needed, requires updated technology. We will certainly put the new KENWOOD radios to good use.”
EVFD was selected as the winner after the JVCKENWOOD team thoroughly reviewed a diverse and inspiring group of applications from across Canada. This is the ninth KENWOOD Cares grant awarded since the program began in 2015.
“EVFD volunteers clearly outlined their community need for improved radio communication equipment to aid in fire suppression efforts. Modern radio technology plays a pivotal role in supporting viable and efficient fire department operations,” stated Wilf Mulder, Public Service, National Sales Manager, Dealer Sector at JVCKENWOOD Canada. He added that, “Volunteers are core to the well-being of many small communities in Canada with the team at the Edgewood Fire Department being a shining example of this philosophy.”
The KENWOOD radio equipment will be configured by Vernon Communications, an authorized KENWOOD dealer serving the two-way radio needs of the North Okanagan region.
“We are happy to see Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department selected as the most recent KENWOOD Cares grant recipient. After working with EVFD and seeing their ongoing challenges in person, we are honoured to support this deserving organization and know the communications equipment upgrade will have a significant impact on their response efforts,” said Matt Schafer, Sales and Marketing Manager, Vernon Communications.
Applications are now open for the KENWOOD Cares grant program. JVCKENWOOD Canada will again be awarding a Canadian volunteer emergency organization with a communication system support grant valued at $10,000 in equipment. The submission deadline is June 30, 2022. For full details, please visit www.kenwoodcares.ca.
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About JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc.
JVCKENWOOD is a merger of two iconic consumer electronics brands, JVC and KENWOOD. JVCKENWOOD Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation, a global manufacturer specializing in Automotive, Media and Professional System Solutions. JVCKENWOOD creates excitement and peace of mind, while aiming to become a business group that is widely trusted by society. For more information, visit www.ca.jvckenwood.com.
About Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department
Since 2004, Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) has been serving the residents and businesses in Edgewood and surrounding area. EVFD also supports their community by providing fire safety and prevention education.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT
Ashley Gallien | Assistant Manager, Corporate Communication Division
[email protected] | 905-908-0214