'Incredible community': Apex Fire Brigade thrilled after Penticton brewery fundraiser raises $15K

Photo: Apex Fire Brigade

The Apex Fire Brigade crew

A fundraiser at Slackwater Brewing has left the Apex Fire Brigade Society feeling overjoyed and grateful for the overwhelming community support.

Apex Mountain village was evacuated for more than two weeks as local crews and BC Wildfire personnel continue to fight the nearby Keremeos Creek wildfire.

Since Apex is near and dear to the Slackwater owners' hearts, they decided to host a live music event this past Sunday with proceeds going to the Apex Fire Brigade Society and Apex Volunteer Fire Rescue.

“I grew up skiing at Apex, I got married at Apex, and our children will grow up enjoying Apex Mountain each year. Seeing our community come together in such a short time frame was overwhelming," said Kelsey Peyton, co-founder of Slackwater.

"As soon as we put the event live on Facebook, donation offerings started pouring in from local businesses."

The event, through its silent auction and donations, raised an incredible $15,000, a figure that fire prevention officer Molly Raine said will go to excellent use.

"We will be using it to support our crew with any immediate supply needs and we will put any leftover money towards purchasing a wildland slip-on skid unit for our pick-up truck," Raine explained.

"We will be better able to support [the community] in the event of another forest fire. A full-sized truck with this skid unit can be staged and used for pumping, supporting sprinkler operations or direct initial attack.”

Slackwater Brewing and Apex Fire Brigade Society would like to thank all of the musicians who donated their talents and time, and all of the local businesses and individuals that contributed to the event.

"These have been very long days for our crew but knowing we have this incredible community to protect is what keeps us going," Raine added.

"Your support and appreciation always makes our job easier and more fulfilling."