Let Them Be Kids: Fort Erie

Sept.19th, 2009

The Corp.Albert Storm CD Memorial Playground was transformed from dream to reality on Saturday, Sept.19th, 2009. Hundreds of volunteers showed up to help build the playground, beautify the park, clean up the beach, register volunteers, control traffic, supervise children, feed the army of volunteers and a host of other duties throughout the day. Without the support of the community, this project would never have been possible. Below are just a few of the pictures taken through out the day. Special thanks to Jim Nowak & Sharon Bowers. Jim was in charge of documenting the day in photographs and did an outstanding job. Click any of the thumbnails below to go to our Flickr page and look at larger images, along with descriptions. We are excited to hear what you have to say about the project, the build day, the dedication ceremony etc. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD COMMENTS TO THE PHOTOS On FLICKR.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO FEED AN ARMY?

The weather was perfect, the day was beautiful and volunteers came out in force to help build the Corp. Albert Storm CD Memorial Playground on Sept.19,2009. Because of the sheer number of people the CBVFA had to make arrangements to have people park on Erie Rd. and then be bussed in to Waterfront Park. Once at the park, it was then the responisibility of a very special group of people to make sure that the army of volunteers were well hydrated and well fed. So.......What does it take to feed an army of hungry and thirsty, hard working volunteers? Here it is: 240 Hamburgers, 144 Hotdogs, 456 Slices of pizza, 14 coffee cakes, 12 dozen muffins, 34 dozen cookies, 5 watermelons, 8 pounds of apples, 2 containers of assorted baked goods, several large bowls of salads, 1000+ bottles of water, 240 cups of Tim Hortons coffee and gallons of kool-aid. WOW!! This picture shows the lunch line-up starting to form up under the gazebo at waterfront park.

Thank You To Our Platinum Level Sponsors

The Explanation

The Corporal Albert Storm CD (Canadian Decorated) playground project is an initiative of the local volunteer firefighters to build a playground and area for relaxing and enhancing the uses of the waterfront park. The intention of this venture is to strengthen and help define our sense of community to inspire and motivate our children to help others. The Crystal Beach area has grown stronger in its sense of community due to the local people and businesses becoming more involved revitalizing what was once a proud tourist destination. A community built playground represents the togetherness that is now prevalent in the area.

By naming the playground after a local fallen soldier, Corporal Albert Storm CD. a person who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, the park will also serve as a reminder to all who enjoy it that freedom does sometimes come at a price.

Project Goals

SPECIAL THANKS TO SIGNE & IAN

The Crystal Beach Firefighter's would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of 2 very important people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the Corp. Albert Storm CD Playground Project possible. Thank You to Signe Hansen: Manager or Parks & Openspace Developement for the Town of Fort Erie, and Ian Hill: Co-founder & Volunteer CEO of Let Them Be Kids. Signe has acted as liason, support leader, expert consultant and cheerleader for this project since the idea was first brought forward by the members of the Crystal Beach Volunteer Firefighter's Association. Without her knowledge, experience and support this project would never have been made possible. THANK YOU SIGNE! Ian has been directly involved with this specific project from the very beginning as well. He has acted as guidance counsellor, mentor and friend. He has been instrumental in helping to steer this project in the right direction. He has provided crucial support and input in every area from establishing project goals & fundraising initiatives to needs analysis and commitee requirements. THANK YOU IAN!

FireFighter Recruits Raise $1700 at Truck Pull

Fort Erie's Newest Firefighter Recruits joined the fundraising effort by pulling a full size Fire Pumper down Ridgeway Rd. from Erie Rd. to The Crystal Beach Fire Hall. This group of approximately 20 firefighter's went above and beyond by collecting pledges for the event that occured on Saturday June 27th as a feature of the CBVFA's Silent Auction & BBQ. Spectators gathered up and down Ridgeway Rd. to watch these firefighters in action. As a result of their efforts the Corp.Albert Storm C.D. playground project is $1700 closer to reaching it's goal.

Fort Erie Station 1 Raises $450 More Dollars at Sparky's Birthday!

On Saturday, Sept 12th, 2009 Fort Erie Fire Co.#1 found a fun & unique way to raise money for the Corp.Albert Storm C.D. playground project while simultaneously helping Sparky the Fire Dog celebrate his birthday party at the Fort Erie Leisureplex. For $10 per person, kids and adults alike each got the chance to have a bird's eye view of Sparky's birthday bash from the aerial bucket of Ladder 1 (100ft up in the air). As a result of this FUNd raiser, the members of the South End Volunteer Firefighter's Association were able to raise $450, bringing the amount that they have donated to the playground project to $850. Thanks Guys!

Motorcycle Dice Run Raises almost $1200

The Motorcycle Dice Run held on Saturday August 29th saw just over 60 bikers come out to support the Corp. Albert Storm CD play ground project. One group of riders travelled from as far away as Petewawa to participate as some of their members actually served with Corp Albert Storm. Pictured Above, Corp.Storm's brother Mick & his wife Wendy arrive at the Crystal Beach Fire Hall to participate in the ride. The day started out with a little bit of a drizzle and seemed to have scared away a number of potential riders, but those that came enjoyed a great ride. Afterwards door prizes and a BBQ at the CB Fire Hall with the music of "Under The Influence" to keep the party rocking until 5pm. Thanks to all those that supported the event.

Summer Bash turns into Summer Splash

The Annual Crystal Beach Firefighter's Summer Bash at Waterfront Park turned out to be more aptly named "The Summer Splash" as the weather for this years event refused to co-operate with party goers. The day began with torential downpours & high winds threatening to shut down the festivities before they even began. Mother Nature relented long enough for supporters to come out and enjoy a few drinks, some burgers & fries etc. and the music of "Ain't Gonna Happen". A few isolted showers throughout the evening weren't enough to scare away the more dedicated supporters; however, heavy rains finally shut the event down for good before 10pm after "Under The Influence" played their only set of the night. The event was not a total "washout" as firefighters were able to raise approximately $3000 towards the Corp. Albert Storm CD playground thru the sale of raffle tickets leading up to the event.