Buy a cookie; save a life.
The Martensville Fire Department (MFD) is teaming up with the Martensville Tim Hortons franchise to purchase two new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
From Monday, May 1 to Sunday, May 7, all funds raised through the sale of ‘Smile Cookies’ at the local coffee shop will go directly to the MFD to equip two of their emergency response trucks with state-of-the-art AEDs.
“These are really critical pieces of equipment that are used quite often on medical calls,” said Martensville Deputy Fire Chief Dean Brooman. “We’re looking to modernize our AEDs. These new units will keep up the pressure on the heart and keep the blood moving, and carrying oxygen to all parts of the body, while simultaneously analyzing the heart.
“So we don’t lose any time on our patient when we’re doing compressions.”
Brooman said new AEDs have been on the MFD’s priority list for several months.
“This is a very necessary upgrade,” he said. “Each unit costs several thousand dollars, and we’ve been exploring options for fundraising. So partnering with Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign is a great opportunity.”
Brooman said he’s optimistic the public will get behind the campaign.
“The people of this community have always been very supportive of the fire department, and we’re very thankful for that” he said. “In the past the community has helped us raise money to purchase other pieces of equipment for he department. This is another opportunity where they can come forward and chip in for something that will be beneficial for everyone for many years to come.
“And get a treat while doing it.”
MFD firefighters will be on hand at the restaurant to decorate the Smile Cookies. A fire truck is also scheduled to be on display at the Martensville Tim Hortons daily during the supper hour during the week of May 1-7.
“The public can drop by and get their cookies, and then get a tour of the fire trucks and meet the firefighters,” said Brooman. “It’s kind of a portable open house.