The fire department for the Town of Midale and the RM of Cymri has been fundraising for a new fire hall.
Laverne Hockey, who is the chief for the department of 14 members, said they have raised about $100,000 already, and their goal is $600,000. They recently held a raffle that included such prizes as some homemade knives and a smoker.
“We’ve been saving for a long time for it,” said Hockey.
The fire department has also received some donations and some previous fundraisers have allowed them to put some money aside.
The Town of Midale, the RM of Cymri and the rescue board have purchased some land, and built a road alongside Highway 39 for the new hall. The pad for the building has been built.
Engineers have been working on some drawings, and then they will get some prices for the building.
“Some of the equipment is being stored out at the RM of Cymri shop, which is part of the reason that we’re looking for (a new building),” said Hockey. “We need more room out there, too, so we’ll have to find a home for some of that stuff.”
The firefighters have been eager to move into a new building for some time. The present building is located on Main Street, next to the Town Hall and across the street from the RM of Cymri building.
The location of the new hall is near the Quick Stop, but Hockey said it’s still a good location.
“We’ll have easy access to the highway, and if we’re called in town or out of town and almost every direction,” said Hockey.
The fire department is going to hold another fundraiser in January. They’ll see how it goes, and how they do for donations, and they hope to start construction fairly soon.
