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
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.