Photo: Burn Fund

The 27 annual Burn Camp kick off took place on July 16, raising more than $200,000 for Burn Camp.

Together, fire fighters and burn survivors raised a total of $200,068 and, despite the kick off being held virtually due to COVID-19, 100 young survivors and fire fighters tuned in to celebrate.

The event was hosted live at the Burn Fund Centre by fire fighters Brian Pederson and Kristy Storey, following the theme 'Burn Camp Does the Oscars.' Survivor Sammy Badger performed her original song 'I am Phoenix' along with fire fighters presenting comedic videos to announce their donations. Performers took home awards such as 'Best Action Adventure' and 'Best Rescue Mission.'

“The Burn Fund is the charity of all B.C. firefighters and I am so proud of all of them who raise funds in their off-duty time to support their home communities and continue to raise funds to support burn survivors in B.C. and Yukon,” says BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund president Gord Ditchburn.

Typically the annual Burn Camp welcomes between 70 and 80 young burn survivors between the ages of six and 18 to the camp in Squamish during July. This is the first time the Burn Camp has been held virtually in the 27 years it has taken place.

The Burn Fund covers all of the costs associated with Burn Camp. It costs approximately $3,000 to send one child to the camp and the Burn Fund ensures all young burn victims in the province will have the opportunity to attend.