Kevin Appleyard has been a volunteer firefighter with the City of Courtenay for five years, and to the rest of the firefighters, he is a part of their family.
And when something happens to them, the family rallies, explained Capt. Greg Lamb.
“He came to the chief last fall with the news,” he said.
The news which took Appleyard away from his usual availability with the department was his wife Silvie’s cancer diagnosis.
Lamb said when they first heard the news, the fire department wanted to help immediately, and donated $500 to the family for non-medical expenses.
Silvie is now midway through her treatment journey, and will be heading to Victoria for radiation therapy early this summer.
In February, the department came up with an idea of a fundraising car wash, but wanted to wait until the weather improved, said Lamb.
On Saturday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with help from Comox Fire Rescue, the department is hosting a fundraising car wash, with a goal of raising $2,500.
The wash will happen at their Cumberland Road location, and is by donation.
Funds will go toward accommodation expenses during Silvie’s six-week stay in Victoria while she receives treatment.
“We’re in the business of helping other people,” added Lamb.
Musician Brian Norman will be providing entertainment, and for those unable to attend the event, donations will be accepted in advance at the fire department, at 650 Cumberland Road.
For more information, search ‘Appleyard Family Fundraiser Car Wash’ on Facebook.