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I have been involved in Rescue & EMS for the past 27 years as a member of the High Point Rescue Squad, who's name was recently changed to Piedmont Triad Ambulance & Rescue, Inc. in High Point, North Carolina. During that time, I have served as an Officer and Trainer, and have seen many changes occur in the operation and funding of our Squad. The changes in funding for our Squad prompted me to develop a program to raise funds quickly and easily. I hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity for your own department. Many Rescue Squads and Fire Departments have a shortage of available funds -- some with critical needs that cannot be met with their current funding. My own Squad, like many others, has conducted all kinds of fundraising activities over the years. Many of those have been very labor intensive and time-consuming with the planning and preparation that is involved, and with the many manhours needed on the actual day of a fundraising event. And there are also often times numerous upfront costs involved with purchasing supplies, as in the case of a BBQ dinner, for example. And, of course, there are always the problems of transporting and storing supplies, setting up everything on the day of the event, breaking down everything afterwards, etc.  Just think about all the cars and trucks that you see every day with decals and bumper stickers -- some with several on their car or truck! These are items that the car or truck owner usually purchased to place on their vehicles. So, the demand is already there, with people looking for decals every day that they can purchase to place on their vehicles. All you need to do is meet that demand with a supply of decals that you can sell to the members of your community.  The program involves selling Rescue Squad and Fire/Rescue decals that people can place on their vehicles to show their support for those local organizations that they depend on during an emergency. Throughout the year, there are fall festivals, fairs, and other events within your community in all areas of the State that bring in large crowds. Those events will be a great place for you to sell a large number of these decals! For example, you could set up a "Free Blood Pressure Check" at local shopping malls, "Big Box" department stores, etc. where you can provide a valuable service to people throughout your community. This type of free service can draw large numbers of people, who would ordinarily have to spend money to get their blood pressure checked. After people get their blood pressure checked (for free) and prepare to leave, you can offer them the opportunity to show their support for your Department by purchasing a Rescue Squad decal and/or a Fire/Rescue decal.  ~ Dwight McDowell
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