Massive turnout for Coaldale Fire Department breakfast fundraiser
For the residents of Coaldale, Saturday morning's pancake breakfast at the local fire hall meant much more than just the opportunity to fill up on grub.
The event was organized by the Coaldale Fire Department to remember Capt. Craig Wilson, a volunteer firefighter who spent 30 years keeping locals safe.
Wilson, 60, passed away in December after a brief battle with cancer.
After his passing, the team that battled fires alongside him for years started the Captain Craig Wilson Memorial Fund which offers scholarships to fire academy students at Kate Andrews High School.
The popular pancake breakfast was the first fundraiser supporting the initiative.
"The majority of the money will be going towards that scholarship and then we will be putting money towards the fire academy for equipment and supplies if we do have extra money," said Coaldale Fire Chief Kevin McKeown.
More than 500 people rolled up to the fire hall to grab a bite and donate to the cause.
Wilson was a popular man in the area, and those who knew him say he will always be remembered fondly.
"He was such a great man. One of the most dedicated volunteer firefighters that we've ever had," said McKeown.
"He never missed a training night, he was a great captain, had a great sense of humour, great personality, and he was easy to talk to."
The turnout greatly exceeded expectations, with a line that stretched all the way down the street.
It was also one of the first big events in the community since the beginning of the pandemic, which caused a real buzz among local residents.
"I feel like I haven't been anywhere in a year and it's just so good to go out and see old friends and people you haven't been able to connect with," said one Coaldale resident.
"I like the food mostly, but also playing, going on the fire trucks, seeing friends, lots of fun stuff," said a local 10-year-old.
The breakfast was all part of the community's "Celebrate Main" event which has taken over much of the town with activities like gem tours, live music, a car show and a fireworks celebration.
For a tight-knit small town that's seen several of its most highly-anticipated occasions postponed during the pandemic, Saturday's gathering is a much-needed breath of fresh air.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.