Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade

It’s amazing to think that in the United States more than 1.2 million firefighters give of themselves to put out fires, rescue family pets from trees and teach our children fire prevention at school. But, what’s more amazing is that the majority of these selfless acts go unpaid.

Seventy-two percent of the firefighters that protect our homes, children and communities are VOLUNTEERS, and many volunteer at facilities without the necessary resources to properly perform their duties.

To address this issue and to thank the brave men and women who protect the communities around Georgia-Pacific facilities, the Georgia-Pacific Bucket Brigade™ program was created in 2006.

The program has awarded grants totaling more than $300,000 to fire units in more than 50 communities. The money had been used for items such as turn-out gear, vehicle repairs, water pumps and more.

In 2008, the company began a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) to increase outreach efforts to fire units in Georgia-Pacific communities and make them aware of the opportunity for funding.

2009 applications are now being accepted through August 12. Interested fire and rescue units should contact their local Georgia-Pacific facility. All entries for consideration must be approved by a facility manager before being submitted.

An independent board of civilians and firefighters will review all entries. Winners will be determined based on the severity of the units’ needs, the impact a grant may have and the uniqueness of the submitted story. Winners will be announced in October.