It has come to our attention that a group that calls itself “Burn Victims Aid Society” (BVAS) or "Burn Survivors Aid Society" is contacting businesses across Canada with a fundraising scheme involving coin operated breathalyzers or prize machines. They claim to “work with the local burn unit and firefighters”.
BVAS is not associated in any way with Edmonton or surrounding area Firefighters, The Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, The Alberta Fire Fighters Burn Camp or The Firefighters Burn Treatment Unit at The University of Alberta Hospital. On October 26, Fire Chief Tony Delmonico of the Coquitlam Fire/Rescue, in response to this group making calls in his community, issued a press release which says in part: We do not condone or support or are in any way associated with this company or the cause that they claim they are representing, namely “Burn Victims Aid Society". He went further to say, if you are approached by someone and you feel their actions are suspicious, you are encouraged to contact the RCMP"
On Dec. 12, we were made aware of a complaint through The St. Albert Fire Department about a prize machine in Socraties Restaurant, St. Albert. The complaint was made because a child won the "Grand Prize" that directed him to enter a web site address to claim the prize. This child was directed to an inappropriate website. The St. Albert Fire Department and our Society has spoken with Soccraties Management about BVAS and our non association with their organization. The coin machine is being removed and the RCMP have been contacted.
Please ensure you know where your donation dollars are going. We encourage you to contact The Firefighters Burn Treatment Society directly to discuss any donations or fund raising endeavours. If you see a coin operated breathalyzer with "Burn Victims Aid Society" or any reference to Firefighters, Burn Foundation or Burn Unit in an establishment, please email us including the name and address of the business.
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