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First responder's b-day wish is to give back with charity event

All proceeds will go to support Boots on the Ground, a not-for-profit organization that provides peer support to first responders
Barbara Latkowski
Barbara Latkowski

It’s not just any 50th birthday celebration.

On Oct. 13, Liam Curtin of Cambridge wants to give back with a charity event at the Newfoundland Club. And he's inviting everyone to join him.

All proceeds will support Boots on the Ground, a non-for-profit organization that provides confidential and anonymous peer support to first responders across the province, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Working as a first responder, Curtin says he is thrilled to support Boots on the Ground because it is 100 per cent run by volunteers who help firefighters, police officers, paramedics, nurses, correctional officers, emergency dispatch operators and members of the Canadian military.    

“The charity event is for an awesome organization, all volunteers and non-profit. My girlfriend found the charity. We wanted to find something that really meant something and that was more local,” Curtin said.

“As a first responder, I am affected with PTSD, and I just want to help others locally.”

For over 24 years, Curtin has worked as an emergency response officer at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. 

A couple of years ago, on New Years Day, he was also involved in a serious car collision.

“I had a brain injury, and I was off for two years. I didn’t think I would be going back to work but I did. I had to retrain my eyes. It was brutal. I was hit by someone texting and driving, but I’m alive and that’s what matters,” Curtin said.

“Most people have no idea what a first responder goes through, though they try,” Curtin added.

That’s why Curtin chose this particular charity. Everyone who accesses services are either working first responders or retired.

“It really hit home for me because it’s difficult to talk about things with people you work with sometimes,” Curtin said.

“So, if you can reach out to someone else, who really knows what you are going through, it helps. We just knew that this is the perfect organization that we wanted to support. It's the one.”

boots
Liam's 50th Celebration and Charity Event will take place on Oct. 13 at the Cambridge Newfoundland Club. All proceeds will support Boots on the Ground, a non-for-profit organization that provides peer support to first responders. 

Curtin says Boots on the Ground has a multitude of resources for anyone in need of PTSD supports.  

Whether you are a retired or serving, sworn or civilian first responder, the anonymous Ontario-based helpline is where first responders can talk to someone who’s 'been through it.'

“They have a therapy dog program that offers visits to their first responder facilities in southern Ontario. They are also looking for dedicated first responders to assist them to expand across Canada by opening Boots on the Ground divisions in every province,” Curtin said.

On Oct. 13, doors to the Cambridge Newfoundland Club will open at 7:30 p.m.

The special announcer for the event is Darryl Law, radio host from the Dave FM Morning Show.

There will also be a special guest performance by The Practically Hip, a Tragically Hip tribute band.

Tickets to Liam's 50th Celebration and Charity Event can be purchased here.

“Being my 50th birthday, I really didn’t want this to be all about me. I thought, let’s give back. We happened to find this charity, and it all began to roll from there,” Curtin said.

'Its going to be a fun night with a great crowd. This isn't about me but it is about helping someone else. This is my chance to give back."