BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Regional Fire Association (BRFA) has an annual tradition of volunteering its services to clean the sidewalks of main street, using fire hoses to wash away the sand and debris of winter.
On May 28, they took fire trucks downtown and got to work.
Firefighter Kali Paradis said a former firefighter thought of the idea, and the department continues to provide the spring cleaning as an act of service to the community.
“We’ve just kept the tradition going. It’s a nice way to come out and do something nice for the town,” said Paradis.
A new volunteer was on hand, giving his time to help with the street cleaning and having arrived in Canada from the Ukraine only months prior. Eduard Kaiun shared his gratitude, smiling wide as he hosed down the sidewalk in front of the Bonnyville Main Street banner.
“I wanted to give back to Canada. I will volunteer as much as I can,” said Kaiun.
Deputy Fire Chief Coltin Batke commented on the positive attitude of the volunteers and spoke fondly of Bonnyville.
“It’s a small town - there’s a great sense of community in Bonnyville . . . I was raised here, and I think sometimes people who have been here all their lives can forget how fortunate we are. I love it here.”
