Burlington Firefighters have launched the 2012 T-Shirt Fundraising campaign, patterning T-Shirts after the duty shirts firefighters wear. This year the effort will return to support breast cancer awareness but it will also include the option to promote prostate cancer awareness.
Fundraiser organizers wanted to continue to support breast cancer because it affects so many lives in the community. In addition to breast cancer, prostate cancer significantly affects the lives of many, especially firefighters. A 2006 study by the University of Cincinnati found that prostate cancer was one of the four types of cancer for which firefighters were at greater risk of development.
Battalion Chief Travis Handy said: “Our goal is to bring awareness to the community and continue to positively affect the community. Everyone is aware of the dangers associated with breast cancer but we must continue to improve the lives of those struggling with breast cancer. Not everyone is as aware of prostate cancer but we all probably know someone who has suffered from the disease.”
The 2012 T-shirts are solid black this year with logos that come in two different colors. Pink logos represent breast cancer awareness and blue logos represent prostate cancer awareness. All proceeds (approximately $5 per shirt) will be contributed to cancer funds of the Alamance Regional Charitable Foundation. The foundation already had the Pink Ribbon Fund established for breast cancer but firefighters worked with the foundation to establish a new prostate cancer fund, now known as the Blue Ribbon Fund.
Shirts are available for sale at the Burlington Fire Department, Headquarters Station, Monday through Friday, 8 am until 5 pm. They will only be available in adult sizes (Small through 4 XL) and have been printed in advance to improve the purchasing process. Shirts are available for $10 for sizes small through XL and $12 for sizes 2XL or larger. Contact the Burlington Fire Department at 336-229-3564 for more information.
Burlington Fire Department
Headquarters Station
215 S Church St
Burlington, NC 27215