Over $20K raised for FSJ Firefighters Charitable Society through advent calendars

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Over $20,000 has been raised for the FSJ Firefighters Charitable Society through the sale of advent calendars over the last two years, and the collaborators on the project are looking to add another $12,000 to the total.

This year’s advent calendar was designed by SJA Promo team member Quinn Clark and features the Fort St. John Firefighters carolling to various woodland animals, animals playing hockey and ice fishing, and even Santa driving a snowmobile.

The calendars, a joint project between AFDE, Home Hardware and SJA Promo, are now on sale at Home Hardware for $25. The calendar is filled with Belgian milk chocolate and fire safety tips for the holiday season.

“Success in our industry is all about collaboration, and the annual Advent Calendar is a perfect example of this,” says Kailey Odermatt, owner and general manager of SJA Promo.

“Not only does this project rely on the generous support of AFDE Group and Home Hardware and our supplier, but our entire sales team collaborated on the design on the calendar this year.”

All proceeds support the FSJ Firefighters Charitable Society for its programs providing support for families needing to travel for medical appointments, burn survivors and local charities in Fort St. John and surrounding areas.

“We’ve been honoured to be selected as a partner in this project each year and always look forward to seeing the new
design,” says firefighter Jayden Ockenden.

“Although, I’m not sure you’ll find me carolling at your door this holiday season!”

Every year, around 500 calendars are produced, totalling over $12,000 for the society if all the calendars are sold.

“Even before we present the cheque to the firefighters every year, we’re already eager to participate in the next calendar,” says Shelley Gallinger, owner of Home Hardware.

The advent calendar campaign earned SJA Promo an international award for Cause Advocacy Marketing in 2021 from the Promotional Products Association International.