Community Update

District of North Vancouver Firefighters are known for their fundraising skills and contributions to several North Vancouver charities. The DNV Fire Charity is run by off-duty members who donate over 2,000 volunteer hours each year to support and strengthen the place they call home—and Neptune has been a proud sponsor since day one. "The DNV Charity and Neptune share similar values, including a desire to make the North Shore a safe and healthy place for youth to grow up," says Kyle Burdett, Executive Director, DNV Fire Charity. "We both see the value in grassroots and mutual partnerships like the Barn Burner and Fishing Derby, and we hope to work with community partners like Neptune for years to come."

To date the Fishing Derby has raised over $400,000 for charity partners, notably Athletics 4 Kids, ensuring all children have access to organized sports, and the Seymour Salmonid Society, which is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through their Hatchery and Education Center. The recent salmon fry release, pictured left, was a highlight for both DNV Fire members and local kids. Both are organizations Neptune also sponsors independently, so the partnership with the Fishing Derby is a great fit that enables us to support the firefighters' charitable work, and contribute to these causes even further.

This year's Barn Burner, already a sold-out event, is a fundraising concert designed to unite the community for an evening of fun, great music, and charitable giving. The annual event brings together community members, sponsors, and legendary rock artists such as Steven Page, Barney Bentall, Odds, and Rich Hope. Over the years the event has raised over $260,000 to support youth mental health initiatives such as Buddy Check for Jesse and a scholarship program supporting youth interested in becoming first responders.