Last year, the Barre Town Fire Department developed an innovative plan to raise funds for some much-needed equipment. Rather than appeal to taxpayers for additional funds, a raffle was held, and the proceeds were used to purchase an off-road rescue ATV with tracks for winter use and a trailer to haul it.
The ATV (pictured above) is equipped to assist firefighters and paramedics in reaching patients and fires in remote places, including snowmobile and ATV trails, and hiking trails. The ATV was driven in this year’s Barre Heritage Festival parade and was on display at the festival all day Saturday for attendees to get a closer look.
Barre Town Fire Department is now in the process of raising money to purchase and outfit a multi-purpose four wheel drive pick-up. The first part of their two-year fundraising plan is the second annual “52 Gun Raffle,” in which 52 hunting and target rifles and shotguns will be raffled off – a gun a week for the next year. Drawings will start on September 1, 2014.
Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, and one $50 ticket is good for all 52 drawings; winning tickets will be put back in the drawing, making it possible to win multiple times. Tickets are currently available at the Barre Town Office, and at Fisher Auto Parts, McLeod Spring & Chassis, and R&L Archery, all located in Barre.
For more information, contact Deputy Chief Chris Sanborn at 802-371-9193, or the BTFD facebook page at www.facebook.com/BarreTownFire.