Trisha Shanks
Arrow Lakes News
Saturday December 13 in Burton saw a full house for the annual Burton Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) Christmas party. The shindig is held every December and the only fundraising that the firefighters do. Proceeds help to pay for their annual operating expenses. Guests were treated to a homecooked dinner, silent auction, door prizes, and live musical entertainment.
The meal of pulled or roast pork with baked potato, salads and trifle with local berries was prepared by volunteers and set up buffet style, with dessert served to each chair after the meal. Almost every seat in the house was full. Juice and hot beverages were included but there was also a cash bar.
Fire Chief Brian Harrop, party organizer, said, “It was a good time. We had a great turnout, though it was down from last year but I think that’s the same for many things this year.”
The big draw of the evening was the chance to win a sack of cash. $1000 was the first prize, raised by selling raffle tickets which were available from the firefighters directly but also at businesses around the area. Ted Zatlyny, Rocky Parton and Wendy Chivers were all cash winners.
The BVFD is completely volunteer run and gets no government funding. “I think we raised just over $5000.00 which was really good,” said spokesperson Barb Harrison.