Several of the GlobalFire team journeyed out about an hour from Tacloban to Guingaun, Tanauan to the GlobalMedic/GlobalFire warehouse. It is storing donated equipment that was sent in a shipping container after Yolanda. It consisted of 350 bunker suits, flash hoods, gloves, helmets, SCBA, books, CDs and station wear that was collected from fire services across Ontario to be donated in The Philippines.

From the records that we have seen there are approximately two bunker suits per station across the region.

Along for the trip were several BFP members who offered to help load. We met Ivana from GlobalMedic at the warehouse as well as Edgar. It was extremely hot as it had a tin roof, out in the wide open and not a breath of wind. The team got to work preparing to load but had to stop for a minute or two to watch. Our helpers had begun to try on suits, gloves and helmets. They looked like kids at Christmas, their faces lighting up- it was a great feeling. Supplying this equipment to our brothers and sisters who are expected to do the same job as us with much, much less. Most wore their helmets while we packed the Rescue Tender. Actually one firefighter wore his helmet all the way back to Tacloban. Their gratitude was humbling.

Another example of what we take for granted ………