West End Volunteer Rescue Squad appeals for community support

As posted earlier this year, the West End Volunteer Rescue Squad is still in dire need of funds if it is to continue the life-saving work and services it offers to the Richmond community.

Treasurer Tom Hudson is doing what he can to get the word out:

We’ve been around since 1960, providing emergency medical care to people in every Richmond neighborhood for the last 52 years; despite what our name would imply, we don’t just serve the “West End”, and we run calls exclusively in the city. We also provide community education programs in first aid and CPR, provide medical coverage for special events, train new first responders, and provide on-the-job training for folks who want to move on to careers in public safety, medicine, etc.

As a volunteer organization and a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on community support to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the ambulances running. Since 2008, we’ve seen our donation revenue drop in excess of 80%; our reserves have been depleted, and we’re going to have to permanently close our doors if we can’t rally people in RVA to help keep us open.

He estimates the organization needs to raise about $50,000 within the next 90 days to remain open.

How can you help keep WEVRS around?

- Buy a WEVRS t-shirt through RVA start-up Bonfire Funds (Pictured above. Choose between that design and this one) The squad is also selling RVA stickers through its website here.

- If you own a local business or know of one interested in charity partners, WEVRS is looking for businesses to partner with them for a point-of-sale donation campaign, and restaurants willing to place table tents telling customers more about WEVRS and its services.

- Donate directly here

West End Volunteer Rescue Squad: website and Facebook