Firefighters are usually skilled at getting things wet and soggy. But on Tuesday morning, members from the Richmond Firefighters’ Association were lending their talents to keep things dry at the Sharing Farm in Terra Nova.
There, they were repairing and finishing construction of a roof over top of the farm’s large composting facility.
Firefighter Jeremy Duncan said the area needed to be sheltered to allow the composting process to take place effectively and not just become a soggy mess.
“The guys have been really excited about this program and giving back to the community,” said Duncan, adding the association has been long aligned with the Richmond Food Bank — which the Sharing Farm supplies with freshly grown produce.
“Every time we (association) make a call, especially for the food bank, there’s never a problem. There are lots of people willing to help out. It’s a very good cause.”
And with many of the association’s members possessing skills in plumbing, electrical and construction, a job like finishing the compost facility is quickly and properly done, he added.
James Gates, manager at the Sharing Farm, said the roof will allow the farm to make better compost and, in turn, grow better crops to help feed those in need who visit the local food bank.
He also praised those on hand for their dedication, most notably the firefighters who were called to a hazardous materials call overnight and had come to volunteer their time at the farm straight from work. “They’re very tired, but they’re here helping us with their enthusiasm and their service,” he said.
