THUNDER BAY -- Serving food is a far cry from the danger of their day jobs, but Thunder Bay Fire Rescue firefighters didn’t mind the change of pace on Wednesday.
A total of 64 uniformed members of the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association volunteered a couple of hours to help servers at both Boston Pizza locations deliver lunch to hungry customers. In return, the company plans to donate 10 per cent of the proceeds from the day’s busy lunch and supper hours to Toys for Tots.
Capt. Bruce Kajorinne said the charity has been a huge part of the firefighters identity for decades and this is just another opportunity to help out the cause.
“Ten per cent of all the proceeds are going to Toys for Tots and we are accepting other donations as well at the same time,” he said.
“There are 16 at each location at each time and we’re pretty excited. We’ve never been waiters or waitresses before and it’s pretty neat stuff. We’re happy that Boston Pizza is providing this.”
Last year Toys for Tots, which provides toys to be handed out through the Christmas Cheer program, raised about $150,000.
Kajorinne said they’re hoping to raise as much money as possible through their time at the restaurant, but any addition to the total is fine with them.
“It really doesn’t matter,” he said. “Anything we can get is greatly appreciated.”
Sherry Irvine, a manager at the Memorial Avenue Boston Pizza, said it was an easy charity to partner with, helping out children in need.
“We like to give back to the community and help the children in the community as well,” Irvine said. “And it was a great experience for the firefighters too.
“It’s great to help out the children. Every child deserves a gift under the tree at Christmastime and we feel it’s a great way to help donate into the community for those in need.”
And how do the firefighters rate as servers?
Irvine said some might even have a future in the restaurant business if they decide to get out of the fire business.
“We may hire one or two,” she said, laughing. “The guys come out here and do a great job. They’re a lot of fun to work with. The girls really enjoy having them here.”
The lunchtime program continues at both Thunder Bay locations until 2 p.m. on Wednesday and continues during supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
