By Matt Weingarden
Last week, the LaSalle Firefighters Association took to the streets for the second annual “LaSalle Gives Back” campaign, rallying support for the town’s most vulnerable residents.
Firefighters and community volunteers were positioned at key intersections and street corners, handing out newsletters and collecting cash donations. The initiative seeks to strengthen the efforts of local non-profits, especially those focused on youth assistance.
The first year of the fundraiser was a huge success, raising more than $65,000 to support local causes.
Ryan Petrozzi, representing the LaSalle Professional Fire Fighters Association, emphasized that this year’s fundraising effort will support two important groups: the St. Andrews Anglican Church Community Food Bank and LaSalle Hangout for Youth. The centre provides a safe space for teens to hang out, while approximately 90 local families are registered with the food bank.
In previous years, Petrozzi explained, the LaSalle Firefighters had proudly participated in the Windsor Goodfellows Holiday Christmas Food Boxes campaign, collecting donations throughout the Town of LaSalle.
“While a portion of these donations remained in LaSalle, the majority were directed to Windsor and in 2024, we shifted our focus to launching the LaSalle Gives Back initiative, making sure that all donations stay within the community,” said Petrozzi. “The feedback and support of the residents has been amazing!”
The LaSalle Gives Back campaign stands as a testament to the town’s spirit of generosity and collective action, making a real difference in the lives of neighbors in need.
“It’s important to our community. The smallest act of kindness counts and it all adds up in the end,” he said. “We’ve seen people, so generous, reach back in and give out more money when they hear those proceeds are staying in the town.”