The Tyendinaga Mohawk Fire Department has been shown love by its community, including a $1 million donation.
On Wednesday, Tyendinaga Mohawk Fire Department received three donations from four local and regional businesses to support the construction of the Territory’s new fire hall.
The largest donation came from Original Traders Energy and Build All Contractors, who donated $1 million towards the new building.
Fire Chief Scott Maracle spoke on what it meant to have local businesses support the development of a new fire hall.
“I’m very proud of our businesses to step up and do that for them, right? It’s just awesome that they do that. You know, off territory it’s an actual write-off for the business. Here, it’s straight out of their pocket, there’s no tax write-off for them so that makes a big difference when they’re donating that way.”
Tyendinaga Mohawk Council spoke on the importance of having a well equipped fire hall available in the community on June 22, 2022. (Photo: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News)
With the no financial support from the Federal government, the territory has relied on a bank loan of several million dollars as well as support from donations.
Tom Maracle, owner of Build All Contractors, was a former firefighter in the territory. Maracle says as he gets older, supporting services such as the Tyendinaga Mohawk Fire Department has become more important.
“Lately, a lot of our work has been concentrated on the reserve because the band has been doing so much infrastructure work and just had the opportunity to help back and that’s what we’re going to do. I mean I’m getting close to retirement so I just kind of want to do these things.”
Village Variety & Gas Bar donated $10,000 towards the development on June 22, 2022. (Photo: Andrew Clarke / Quinte News)
Village Variety & Gas Bar also donated $10,000 to the fire hall while Smokin’ Coffee Xpress gave $5,000.
Smokin’ Coffee Xpress donated $5,000 towards the development on June 22, 2022. (Andrew Clarke / Quinte News)
An official presentation for the donations is set for this Saturday, June 25, 2022.
