As I reflect back over this past year, it seems like only yesterday that we were sharing in celebrations as the New Year arrived… and in the blink of an eye, it’s hard to believe we are quickly approaching the end of 2019!
The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) was fortunate to experience another amazing year, in no small part, because of our outstanding cadre of volunteers, fire service partners, beneficial collaborations and generous donors all playing an important role in our accomplishments!
Because of your support, we were able to bring together 95 children for a week long residential camping program, providing “fun with a purpose” for children/siblings who’ve experienced burn injury & trauma; hosted a Burn Survivor Family Weekend providing an opportunity for 16 families to come together to support one another, connect through shared similar experiences and grow towards transformation and healing; collaborated with other agencies from California and New York to facilitate the Young Adult Burn Survivor Retreat bringing together more than 3 dozen young people to develop and strengthen peer support network; collaborations with Grady Hospital Burn Center, WellStar & JM Still Burn Center in providing ancillary support for aftercare programming; $65,000 in funding was distributed through the Give Burns the Boot incentive program & the Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant to support fire departments’ safety education and prevention initiatives within their local communities.
As a burn survivor myself, I can personally attest to the fact that these invaluable resources continue to touch the lives of not only residents of Georgia, but also populations throughout the southeast. But there is still much work to be done, as we anticipation an even greater need to grow our base of support to increase the numbers served in the upcoming year.
My hope is that you please consider GFBF in your year-end giving plans. Donations, both large and small are deeply appreciated. You can make a secured online donation at www.gfbf.org. Please note: The Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and your financial gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please stand with us in our efforts to provide help, hope, and healing beyond the burn!
Unfortunately, the devastating effects of fire has touched countless lives over the years, and it is also understood that fire occurrences will continue to cause property loss, trauma, injury and death; in addition to the emotional and psychological toll on individuals and families. In response to this sad reality, GFBF remains committed to reaching more people and having an even greater impact in the years to come, so no one ever feels alone on their journey of recovery. And we are excited to share the upcoming launch of an e-newsletter to keep our community informed, up to date and share inspirational stories, be sure to sign up by clicking here
http://www.gfbf.org/join-our-mailing-list/
On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and those we serve, thank you for your support in helping us successfully fulfill the mission of GFBF to partner with the fire service and burn care community to provide fire safety and prevention education, support medical facilities and assist burn survivors in their recovery.
Wishing you and your family all the best this holiday season, as excitement builds for connection in 2020!
Dennis J. Gardin, Executive Director
Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation