A cause worth fighting for
Just because our shift at the firehall ends doesn’t mean our commitment to the community does. Vancouver Firefighters go beyond the call of duty through Vancouver Firefighter Charities, dedicating thousands of off-duty hours to make our community stronger. To address the challenges faced in our community, we created our own programs focused on supporting the health and well-being of children and seniors. Today, Snacks For Kids, Toys For Kids, Sports For Kids, and Lifelines For Seniors deliver direct support where it’s needed most. Supporting VFC means standing with Vancouver Firefighters committed to creating a healthier, safer, and more resilient community.
Meet the Executive Team
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Teena Gupta
CO-CHAIR & FUNDRAISING LEAD
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Brandon Davies
CO-CHAIR, VFC DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
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ERIC HIMMELMAN
VICE-CHAIR, TREASURER
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Matt Ostafiew
VICE-CHAIR, LOGISTICS & COMMUNICATIONS
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RHOGENE DADASHZADEH
VICE-CHAIR, MARKETING
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Brandon Kaye
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
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BRIANA JAMES
COMMITTEE MEMBER
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Carlyanne PRUGER
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Our Impact
fueling Brighter futures
Snacks for kids
1 in 5 children in Vancouver goes to school hungry. Snacks For Kids, a partnership between the VFC and the Vancouver School Board, provides nutritional support to 11,000 food insecure youth across 95 schools. Off-duty Vancouver Firefighters are the heartbeat of this program, volunteering their time to deliver healthy snacks, produce wherever support is needed. Because of this program, thousands of children can focus on learning instead of hunger.
SAFETY AND PEACE OF MIND FOR SENIORS
LIFELINES FOR SENIORs
Lifelines For Seniors provides lifesaving medical alert systems to older adults living independently. In partnership with the UBC Hospit al’s Short Term Assessment and Treatment Centre, this program help bridge the final step from hospital to home. Off-duty Vancouver firefighters personally install the hardware, ensuring 24/7 access to emergency medical care. This service not only restores independence for seniors but also brings peace of mind to their families.
BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS
SPORTS FOR KIDS
Sports For Kids is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent children in our community from participating in sports. By collaborating with local organizations in Vancouver, VFC strives to create inclusive recreation opportunities for children with physical and cognitive differences, as well as those facing financial hardships. The VFC is dedicated to helping all kids in our community get active, reach their goals, and build lasting social connections.
DELIVERING JOY
TOYS FOR KIDS
The rising cost of living places tremendous pressure on families in Vancouver, a stress that is magnified during the holiday season. Many parents struggle to balance necessities, making it difficult to provide gifts for their children. What should be a joyful time of year, is instead filled with pressure. Toys For Kids helps ease this pressure by providing toys and sporting equipment to families in need, ensuring every child experiences the magic of the holidays while reminding parents that Vancouver Firefighters stand beside them.
spark change with the VFC
Donate Today
Vancouver Firefighter Charities operates all of its programs without government funding, relying entirely on corporate and private donations, along with voluntary payroll contributions from Vancouver’s firefighters. With your support, we can continue making a difference. We invite you to join our mission and help strengthen our programming by making a donation.