JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Did you know that more than 70% of fire departments across the U.S. are volunteer and many lack up-to-date equipment, training and gear? In support of first responders and public safety organizations throughout the country, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® announced today that it is continuing the tradition of celebrating First Responders Month, its largest annual fundraising campaign. To participate in this initiative and help the Foundation reach its $1 million goal, guests and donors are encouraged to visit any local Firehouse Subs restaurant during the month of October and make a $1 or $5 medallion donation. All funds raised will help provide first responders with lifesaving equipment and resources needed to keep their communities safe.
“Most people think that everything needed in emergencies is already in the hands of first responders. In many cases . . . it is not.” said Robin Peters, executive director, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. “During October, through the generous support of donors and Firehouse Subs restaurant guests, we can help provide these local heroes with the tools they need to save and protect lives.”
This year’s theme, “It All Adds Up!” emphasizes that no matter how big or small, every donation adds up and helps provide lifesaving equipment and resources to first responders. Fire service needs are extensive across the board as more than half of all fire departments cannot equip everyone with self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) or wildland fire personal protective clothing (PPC). These unmet needs are consistent across departments of all sizes according to the latest Fifth Fire Service Needs Assessment Survey by the National Fire Protection Association.
Based on equipment purchases made by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2021, it costs an average of $15,000 to equip one firefighter. It’s no wonder nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of departments have firefighters wearing personal protective clothing that is 10 years old or older. The First Responders Month fundraising campaign aims to help put the right gear in the hands of those who need it.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awards grants on a quarterly basis to first responders and public safety organizations. Today, the non-profit organization has granted more than $71 million in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Canada. Thanks to the Foundation’s support, countless lives have been saved.
Learn more about the campaign and donate today at FirstRespondersMonth.org. Organizations interested in applying for a grant can do so through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website: FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
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ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION
In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the 501(c)(3), non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The charity provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since inception, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $71 million to hometown heroes in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and Canada.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is honored to be listed as a four-star nonprofit organization, the highest designation, by Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation come from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand. Please consider supporting a Firehouse Subs restaurant near you!
