Some of the best dining in Canada can’t be found in a restaurant. Reservations for these five-star meals must be made through Surrey fire fighters. Throughout the year, Surrey, BC Local 1271 helps raise money for community area charities by donating an auction prize of a four-course dinner for 8-10 in the bidder’s home prepared by a team of gourmet fire fighter chefs.

According to Local 1271 President Larry Thomas, the gourmet fire fighter dinner is one of the most popular auction items, fetching between $1,000 and $1,600 per prize. “Of course, we make a personal appearance while the item is being auctioned off to enhance the bidding,” notes Thomas. The money raised helps the charity offer services that would otherwise go unfunded.

The successful bidder receives a certificate and contact information for the local in order to schedule the date of the dinner and decide on a menu. The fire fighter chefs then buy the necessary food and ingredients and show up at the bidder’s home to cook and serve the gourmet fire fighter dinner.

Local 1271 has enjoyed great success with these auction dinners over the last five years. The $150- to $250-a-plate fundraisers typically attract elected officials and other community leaders, providing a tremendous opportunity for Local 1271 fire fighters to network and build relationships with local politicians and other decision-makers.

Menus are often healthy and nutritious, such as Local 1271 fire fighter chef Rick Dietrich’s “Chicken Breast With Spinach Salad and Sweet Potato Fries.” The recipe is one of several that Local 1271 members adapted after the fire department agreed to hire a nutritionist to educate each crew at its 14 fire stations about the benefits of healthy eating.

Fire fighter chef Rick Dietrich at work

“As a result of this program, we’ve seen a real shift in the eating habits around the fire stations,” says Thomas. “Portion sizes are smaller and we’re making healthier choices in what we eat and how it’s prepared. Through education the crews have learned you don't have to compromise on taste when eliminating hydrogenated fats and processed foods. Before the wellness program was implemented four years ago, crews would have eaten breaded chicken with French fries and a salad covered in creamy dressing.”

Recipes

Rick's Power Pizzas

Rick's Chicken, Spinach Salad & Sweet Potato Fries

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