International firefighters on only $40 AUD a month

With so many amazing worldwide causes and projects happening, it’s common these days to discover a goodwill project that has been flying under the radar for quite some time.

 The Society for Assistance to International Firefighters’s (SAIF) mission is to enhance community safety and public health in developing nations through training, resourcing, and supporting local emergency responders and public safety agencies.  

Concept Safety Systems was approached by SAIF’s Board Member and Director, Trevor Doyle who along with his SAIF commitments is a Senior Firefighter at Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES).

Through his contacts Trevor has sourced an incredible amount of donated equipment filling up 25 pallets to be shipped to Central America and make a real difference to full-time firefighters.

The equipment includes over 100 sets of turnout gear, 500 sets of structural firefighting globes, over 500 Oxy Vivas (emergency resuscitation equipment), 9 breathing apparatus sets and cylinders and hydraulic gear.

After hearing about this incredible cause, Concept Safety Systems (CSS) keenly offered to donate $2500 to assist with the transportation of the shipping gear to Central America.

Concept Safety Systems CEO John Hummelstad said after the company was approached by Trevor and told the story of SAIF’s struggle for shipping funds and lack of equipment, they were honoured to help.

 “The communities of firefighters they support are in some of the most treacherous firefighting regions in the world. We were stunned that they were so unsupported by the international community,” he said.

“We hope to support logistically with our donation and use our industry contacts to help get their story out.”

SAIF are currently working in two key areas of Central America, Nicaragua and Guatemala, which are two of the lowest socio-economic countries in the region.  

They work with the local fire departments to provide equipment and training to up-skill international fire fighters who are paid on average $40 AUD per month and in some cases, raise animals such as ducks in the fire station to help feed themselves.

Nicaragua firefighters make about $54 a month, working as many as six days a week. Full-time firefighters in Guatemala work 24 on 24 off shifts and earn between $80 and $300 per month with $60 taken out of this total to pay for their own work uniforms.

Due to the lack of government or tax-funded support, it’s not uncommon to see the firefighters standing on street corners and jumping on buses to chase donations.

Despite their struggle to raise funds, the staff are extremely motivated and can achieve amazing things with very little. They have become incredible trouble-shooters and are highly respected in their communities.

The equipment is booked to leave Brisbane soon and will be in Central America by Christmas.

If you are interested in volunteering with SAIF, you can send your expression of interest to Darrell.reid@shawbiz.ca.