Pubdate: Mon, 18 Apr 2005
Source: Clipper Weekly, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 The Clipper Weekly.
Contact:  http://www.clipper.mb.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2370
Author: Dana Trapp
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

EMS AND RCMP SPREAD THE GREEN

On Saturday, April 2nd, the Oakbank RCMP and the Springfield Fire 
Department gathered together with their family, friends, residents and 
neighbors as a small committee of determined individuals organized a dinner 
and dance fundraiser in Dugald.

Approximately a year ago, Oakbank RCMP officer Rosanne Ross, approached the 
Springfield Fire Department with the idea of organizing an event so that 
she could continue raising funds for the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance 
Education) program she commits herself to each year.

It didn't take much convincing before plans were underway and the very 
successful fundraiser was scheduled.

"Our goal was to raise $2,000 however, with the support of many, we raised 
just under $6,000," shared Springfield fire Chief Mike Purtill.

Officialy cheque presentations were made on April 12th at the Fire Hall in 
Oakbank as the funds raised were divided between the Firefighters Burn 
Fund, Oakbank DARE, and the Safe Grad Committee of 2005.

"Since we were serving alcohol at this event, we thought it would be 
appropriate to establish a type of Operation Red Nose, so we asked those 
behind the Safe Grad Committee [to help out]," explained Purtill. Marlene 
Worsnop, a representative from the Grad Committee was on hand and 
graciously accepted a cheque in the amount of $250 which will be applied to 
the graduation events this year.

With so much more to give, the committee members presented $2800 to Martin 
Johnson, Chairperson of the Firefighters Burn Fund, and RCMP officer 
Rosanne Ross accepted the final $2800 cheque for the Oakbank Dare Program.

"Without the community and the support given, this would have never 
happened. Several residents commented that we go bigger next year," said 
the smiling Purtill.

Besides perhaps overselling their quota of tickets and the fact that the 
dinner was a little late, the outpouring of support through this community 
should not go unnoticed.

Oakbank native Ace Burpee of Hot 103 FM was MC for the evening, and 
although his schedule was full that day and evening (with many events 
surrounding the JUNO's), he came, and did an amazing job.

"He is a great guy and we really appreciated his time," said Dick Vlaming, 
Springfield Fire Captain.

With the mishap of a power outage in the Cooks Creek area, where their 
turkey dinner and all the extra's was being prepared by the ladies from the 
Immaculate Conception Church, you certainly needed someone to entertain 
those waiting at the event. Ace Burpee did just that and more.

"He was unbelievable," said Vlaming.

With a list of supporters to long to mention, the committee members would 
like to thank all that contributed in their own ways.

Special thanks are extended to Ace Burpee, Lyncrest Airport and Poplar Press.