Residents and local organizations have come together to support a new life-saving initiative at the Port Sydney Beach and Boat Launch.
A total of $12,000 has been raised and donated to the Town of Huntsville to fund the installation of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and protective Save Station unit at the popular waterfront location.
The fundraising effort was led by the Port Sydney Firefighters Association, the Stephenson District Lions Club, Dean’s Home Hardware, and the Mary Lake Cottagers Association. According to a report presented at a General Committee meeting on March 25, contributions included $7,500 from the firefighters association, $3,000 from the Lions Club, $1,000 from Dean’s Home Hardware, and $500 from the cottagers association.
Cameron Labonte, the manager of aquatics for the Town of Huntsville, said the donation will cover the cost of the Save Station unit, the AED, and installation. He said the Save Station, which securely houses the device, is estimated at $6,615, while the AED itself costs $2,295 for a total of $8,910 to be spread over five years at $1,782 per year.
Any remaining funds from the donation will go toward installation and ongoing operational expenses.
Unlike the AED located at Port Sydney Hall, which is only accessible when the building is open, the new unit will be available to the public year-round at all times.
General Committee approved the donation, with final ratification expected at an upcoming council meeting.
