December 2022 Burn Bulletin
New Partnership Benefits Champ Camp
On November 12th, Job’s Daughters International of California (JDI) announced a new partnership with AARBF and Champ Camp. We have been selected to be JDI’s 2023 Community Project. AARBF’s Daniel Chacon attended their 98th Installation of Officers where he had an opportunity to share about AARBF’s programs and services. JDI’s project will include the sale of stuffed dalmatian puppies with proceeds directly benefitting AARBF and Champ Camp. Their secondary focus will be on the creation of “Champ Packs” which will be packages decorated and filled with items to comfort and lift the spirits of burn survivors to aid them on their road to recovery. We appreciate and thank JDI for their support of AARBF and Champ Camp!
Keeping Kids Safe in the Central Valley
In recognition of National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD), AARBF’s McKenzie Dern spent November 18th with Safe Kids Central California at a safety fair. NIPD is designed to raise awareness about injuries and is dedicated to educating and empowering communities to make a difference reducing injuries.
McKenzie was able to share burn prevention educational materials, coloring books and stickers with about 100 attendees at the safety fair. A special thank you to Safe Kids Central California for partnering with us in prevention!
Spending the Day on the Water in NorCal
On November 20th, we spent the day with survivors in Northern California kayaking across the bay. We could not have designed a better day for kayaking if we tried! Twelve survivors joined our friends at ETC (Environmental Traveling Companions) for a great day of fun, nature, and exploration. We started from Sausalito and made our way to a hidden beach for lunch. While there, we participated in a big beach clean-up. Kayaking back from the beach, we got to see amazing views, wildlife and boats. We are so appreciative to our hosts, ETC, for all they do to make sure our group of burn survivors are able to connect with nature and each other in such a meaningful way.
Scholarship Awards Announced
Award announcements have taken place for the Woody and Louise Reed “Bridge to Life” scholarships. The competition was tight and we have awarded ten scholarships and stipends to the top applicants. Our highest award level was $2,500—a larger amount than in previous years. Congratulations to all of our amazing scholar recipients!
Watch for 2023 applications to open in the coming weeks to support YOUR continuing education goals and dreams.
NorCal FPO Supports AARBF Through Annual Golf Tournament
On November 18th, AARBF’s Daniel Chacon was presented with the proceeds of the 13th annual Northern California Fire Prevention Officers (NorCal FPO) golf tournament. NorCal FPO is a partner in prevention and we appreciate their continued support of AARBF both through prevention and fundraising. A special thank you to the NorCal FPO golf committee for putting together another great tournament!
Volunteer Opportunties:
Please check with your regional office for more information on upcoming volunteer opportunities.
For Northern California, please contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19
For Central California, please contact McKenzie “Bubbles” Dern at mdern@aarbf.org or 559-286-0710 Ext. 15
For Southern California, please contact Margarita “Cubby” Rodriguez at mrodriguez@aarbf.org or 818-848-0223 Ext. 16
Upcoming Events:
December 24-January 1: All AARBF Offices Closed
January 5: (7:00pm – 8:30pm), Caregiver Online Support Group, contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
January 9: (1:30pm – 3:30pm), SoCal Survivors Online Support Group, contact Andrew “Monkey” Mersmann at 818-848-0223 Ext. 16 or amersmann@aarbf.org to receive log-in information.
January 3: (7:00pm – 8:30pm), Santa Clara Valley Medical Online Support Group, contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
January 12: (7:00pm – 8:30pm), Burn Care Professionals Online Support Group contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
January 10: (6:30pm – 8:00pm), Fresno Community Regional Medical Center Online Support Group, contact McKenzie “Bubbles” Dern at mdern@aarbf.org or 559-286-0710 Ext. 15 to receive log-in information.
January 11: (6:30pm – 8:00pm), East Bay Burn Support Group, contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
January 16: ALL AARBF Offices Closed
January 17: (6:00pm – 7:30pm), Spanish-Speaking Online Burn Survivor Support Group, contact Andrew “Monkey” Mersmann at 818-848-0223 Ext. 16 or amersmann@aarbf.org to receive log-in information.
January 19: (7:00pm – 8:30pm), Statewide Online Support Group, contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
January 26: (11:30am – 1:00pm), Saint Francis Online Support Group, contact Scott “Scooter” Wertz at swertz@aarbf.org or 415-495-7223 Ext. 19 to receive log-in information.
If you missed any of our past Burn Bulletins, please check out our archives.