Not only do we give back to those in our emergency service community, we also help organizations that are supported by fire services, and those who have been affected by a fire or emergency-related tragedy. We believe it is our duty to support firefighters, first responders, their families, and the fire and emergency service community overall.
A.J. Stone Company Ltd. fundraising and charitable efforts started with the late Alfred Joseph (A.J.) Stone, who provided financial support and donated countless hours to help various fire-service related organizations, and/or those who have been impacted by a tragedy related to a fire/emergency.Ā
That sense of community and giving back has continued to this day.Ā We remain committed to support those who have supported us, and causes that deeply impact us, or our team. Below, you will find some of our most recent philanthropy efforts.Ā You can also visit our social channels to see the most up-to-date news on whatās going on at A.J. Stone Company Ltd.
A.J. Stone Company Ltd. 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign
September 13, 2022 - A.J. Stone Company Ltd. is recognizing a milestone year in 2022 ā 50 years of supplying the fire and emergency service sector with high quality equipment, products, and services.Ā
To recognize and celebrate this important milestone, we created a fundraising campaign for the sale of custom branded t-shirts and travel tumblers, in which proceeds have been donated to worthy causes during the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) 2022 Trade Show in May in our booth, and through online purchases throughout the summer months. We chose three organizations in which to divide the proceeds from this campaign - Camp BUCKO (Burn Camp for Kids in Ontario), the Histiocytosis Association of Canada, and the family of Hayden Underhill who was in a horrific accident in March of 2022.
We are pleased to announce that the campaign raised a total of $9,000!
Special thanks to the A.J. Stone Company Ltd. staff team, and all of those who purchased a t-shirt and/or tumbler to support these worthy causes.Ā We truly appreciate your participation in celebrating our 50th year, and for helping us raise funds for these worthy causes. You can find out more about them below.
Camp BUCKO (Burn Camp for Kids in Ontario) $3,000 Recipient
Camp BUCKO provides a fun, safe and caring camp program, free to kids ages 7 to 17 whom have sustained burn injuries. Their camp experience encourages kids to participate in a variety of social, recreational, and therapeutic activities that promote self-esteem, the development of leadership skills and fosters personal growth. At Camp BUCKO, kids have a place where they can be themselves without feeling different or alone.
Histiocytosis Association of Canada - $3,000 Recipient
Training Officer Geoff Patchell from Oro-Medonte Fire & Emergency Services Station 6, passed away suddenly on January 15, 2019, at the age of thirty-eight, from Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH is a rare disease, which causes the body's immune system to not function properly, causing certain white blood cells to attack your other blood cells. Healthcare providers are still learning about its causes, and a quick diagnosis and treatment is crucial for survival. Geoffās HLH diagnosis, to his tragic passing was only three short weeks.
Geoff impacted many lives through his loyal service to his community. He was a devoted Training Officer, founder of the family business Amazing Gates of Canada, was a cherished employee and friend of Mt. St. Louis Ski Resort, and an eager volunteer for Camp Oochigeas, where he organized the āBattle of the Badges,ā a charity hockey game in support kids and families affected by childhood cancer.
GoFundMe: Hayden Underhill - University of Southwest Tragedy - $3,000 Recipient
On March 15, 2022, nine people died in a fiery, head-on collision in West Texas, including six university students and a coach returning from a golf tournament. Canadian students Dayton Price and Hayden Underhill were the lone students that survived the crash, however sustained serious injuries, and both were airlifted over 180km to hospital in critical condition. 20-year-old Hayden Underhill was a first-year student at the University of Southwest in New Mexico on a golf scholarship.Ā
Haydenās father Ken, who works at the Loyalist Township Fire Department was on-route to visit his son when the crash occurred. To help ease the financial burden of travel, lodging, meals, and the medical care that will come with Haydenās recovery, a GoFundMe page was created to assist the family and Hayden with the expenses that they will occur during his recuperation. It is imperative that we continue to stand together to help our fellow firefighter and their families in their time of need.