Cornwall Ontario — Local Paramedics will be sporting a little extra colour on their uniforms this month for a good cause.

Members of Cornwall SDG Emergency Medical Services have signed on to participate in the Dress for the Cause initiative to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Throughout the month of October – which serves as Breast Cancer Awareness Month – participating EMS employees will be wearing pink epaulettes on the shoulder straps of their uniforms to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer.

Through the purchase of the pink epaulettes and a generous donation from the Paramedics’ union, CUPE Local 5734, the service raised $1,200 for the Breast Cancer Society of Canada.

The fundraiser idea was brought forward by Paramedic Tristan Layer, who saw it being done by Paramedics in nearby Leeds and Grenville and decided to expand it to Cornwall and SDG. The colourful additions to the uniforms are quickly becoming a hot topic for discussion for Paramedics while out on calls.
“It looks like it’s getting a good response,” said Mr. Layer. “I was happy to be able to get this fundraiser going here and I’m more than happy to continue it on in future years.”

Cornwall SDG EMS provides around the clock emergency service to residents in Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

“Our Paramedics are out in the community every day, and this fundraiser offers a unique way for us to bring attention to an important cause,” said EMS Chief Myles Cassidy.

Launched by the Breast Cancer Society of Canada in 1997 to raise funds for breast cancer research, Dress for the Cause has raised more than $1 million by encouraging organizations to collectively make donations and show their support by dressing in pink. For more information on the Breast Cancer Society of Canada, visit www.bcsc.ca.