In the heart of Canada, an inspiring tradition unfolds year after year, casting a rosy hue across the streets of Mississauga. The Mississauga Firefighters Pink Truck Tour is a heartfelt, traveling event combining community spirit, resilience and a splash of vibrant pink.
A Pink Pierce Fire Truck Makes a Difference In the Fight Against Cancer
The Pink Truck Tour travels through Mississauga every October, visiting local hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants and more. The goal is to raise funds and awareness for cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and psychosocial care.
According to the Pink Truck Tour website, it’s estimated by 2024, over 100,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Ontario every year due to a growing and aging population. The Mississauga Fire Fighters Association Benevolent Fund created the fundraiser to stay ahead of this increasing need for cancer research and treatment.
The star of the 2023 Pink Truck Tour was a pink-wrapped Pierce Enforcer Pumper fire apparatus from Mississauga Fire Emergency and Services. At each stop, visitors got a chance to talk with community firefighters, take pictures in front of the firetruck and explore the truck up close and personal. The MFFA Benevolent Fund accepted donations during the event and sold T-shirts and other apparel to help raise funds, which are also available for purchase on the event’s website.
The 2023 Pink Truck Tour marked the event’s ninth successful year. The presenting sponsor for the event is Toyotoshi Group Canada, and one platinum sponsor is Pierce dealer, Commercial Emergency Equipment Co.
Carey Feduniw, the General Manager at Commercial Emergency Equipment Co., said sponsoring the event is the company’s way of supporting the Mississauga community and helping to keep its first responders and firefighters safe.
“With increased awareness of mitigation for carcinogens and reduction to exposure in the modern fire service, supporting these causes is more important than ever,” Carey said. “The Benevolent Fund Team does incredible work, and we know our support for the event helps the firefighters and residents of Mississauga who rely on fast and effective cancer care.”
Commercial Emergency Equipment Co. has been a platinum sponsor for the event for five consecutive years, and Feduniw said it will continue to be a proud partner in the years to come.
“To see the community come together is always amazing,” Carey said. “And having them gather for such a great cause and around a Pierce apparatus, you really can’t beat that.”
All proceeds from the Pink Truck Tour go directly to the Trillium Health Partners Cancer Care Program, supporting the cancer program at the Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and the Queensway Health Centre.
The MFFA Benevolent Fund, a non-profit division of the Mississauga Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1212 union, was founded in 1982 and has since raised over $3.2 million for charities within the Mississauga community.