The non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation continues its commitment to properly equip and protect first responders with its annual fundraiser, First Responders Month, this October at all Firehouse Subs restaurants. To reach the goal of raising $1 million for lifesaving equipment within the month, guests are encouraged to visit any local Firehouse Subs restaurant and support the initiative through the purchase of a Gear Medallion in the amount of $1, $5, $10, $25 or $100.
Previously named Public Safety Month, the Foundation's largest annual fundraiser has evolved to First Responders Month to more clearly dedicate the month to the needs of first responders.
Since the Foundation's inception, the Firehouse Subs brand has maintained a focus on supporting first responders in communities across the US and Canada"
This year's theme, ‘Help Our First Responders Gear Up!’ casts a spotlight on equipment, with Gear Medallions educating guests on the actual cost of necessary tools that will protect local heroes and communities, and save lives. Equipment examples include a bunker coat, costing an average $1,300, an automated external defibrillator (AED; $1,275), a thermal imaging camera ($8,500) and extrication equipment ($33,000). Every dollar helps – and all proceeds will be used to help the provide lifesaving equipment to public safety organisations in need.
Supporting first responders across US and Canada
"It's remarkable to see the entire Firehouse Subs family work together towards a shared goal throughout First Responders Month," said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters. "Since the Foundation's inception, the Firehouse Subs brand has maintained a focus on supporting first responders in communities across the United States and Canada. We want our donors to see how their generous contributions are truly helping save lives and encourage them to share these stories to inspire others to donate as well."
Since its inception in 2005, personal stories of the Foundation's impact stretch far and wide; from a North Carolina physical education teacher, Doug Burley, saving his own son's life during gym class using an awarded automated external defibrillator (AED), to South Daytona Fire Department in Florida using awarded extrication equipment to save a car crash victim just six days after the equipment was delivered, the donations prove crucial to first responders and their lifesaving efforts.
While the Foundation will never know the exact number of lives impacted, thousands of people nationwide have been rescued with donated equipment, including a Florida Firehouse Subs employee and the uncle of an Ohio-based Firehouse Subs franchisee.
Providing funding and life saving equipment
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Firehouse Subs Founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen travelled to Mississippi where they provided food to first responders and survivors. As they travelled back to Florida, they knew they could do more and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Today, the non-profit organisation has granted more than $37.7 million in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.
Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. Each restaurant recycles pickle buckets available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to ‘round up’ their bill to the nearest dollar.