Members of the Community Foundation for the County of Grande Prairie Firefighters and IAFF Local 5108 donated toys and other school supplies to Whispering Ridge Community School, following a fire on April 11 (Photo: County of Grande Prairie Professional Firefighters / Facebook)

By EverythingGP Staff

Whispering Ridge

County of Grande Prairie firefighters help replace toys, school supplies at Whispering Ridge

May 2, 2021 | 10:27 AM

County of Grande Prairie and area firefighters went a step beyond just putting out the fire at Whispering Ridge Community School back in April, as they also came together to replace some of the toys and schools supplies lost in the blaze.

The fire occurred at around 5:30 a.m. on April 11, with crews from the Dunes, Clairmont, Sexsmith, and Wembley fire halls responding to fire and smoke coming from beneath the portable classrooms at the back of the school.

Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire upon arrival, but worked quickly to contain the fire to that area, minimizing damage to the rest of the school.

But following the fire, those that are a part of the Community Foundation for the County of Grande Prairie Firefighters and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 5108 saw there was another issue.

“Some of the toys and school supplies purchased by teachers were damaged by smoke and unfortunately, some of these items will not be covered by insurance,” said the team, in a Facebook post.

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With that, members came together to collect toys and other school supplies from Mastermind Toys, Coles and Michaels to help make up for that loss.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” said the Peace Wapiti Public School Division, in response to the donation.

“We are so grateful for your kindness.”

In response on Facebook, staff and administration at Whispering Ridge say they are brain storming ways to thank these firefighters for not only helping save the school, but also for their generous donation.

“Thankful doesn’t even begin to describe how we are feeling right now.”