Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Broadens Lifesaving Footprint With 47th State

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 11, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearing its 13^th anniversary, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation expands its lifesaving impact to 47 states, making the first equipment donation in the state of Delaware during third quarter grant allocations. The nonprofit awarded a total of 128 grants worth more than $2 million, advancing its giving to more than $35 million since inception.

The inaugural Delaware grant is for a set of Hurst hydraulic extrication tools, valued at nearly $36,000, awarded to Citizens Hose Company No. 1, Inc. The equipment, better known as the "Jaws of Life," will improve the Smyrna department's rescue capabilities in motor vehicle accidents by allowing firefighters to cut through materials used in modern manufacturing and quickly reach victims in need of medical attention. According to The National Safety Council, motor vehicle deaths across the U.S. increased in 2017, surpassing 40,000 for the second year in a row.

"It's truly remarkable to witness how far we've come in such a short period of time," said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters. "Thirteen years ago, I would have never imagined the Foundation could touch almost every state in the continental U.S. as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. We are so thankful for our partnership with Firehouse Subs restaurants and their generous guests. Donations collected at the restaurants translate to protecting communities and the first responders who serve them." 

Joining Citizens Hose Company No. 1, 127 additional public safety organizations, schools and first responder departments received much-needed equipment this quarter. Some grants meet the needs of modern society, such as protective bulletproof vests to prepare for active shooter incidents and inflatable boats for natural disaster and flooding emergencies, while others are in response to traditional first responder duties, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to assist in search and rescue missions and decontamination showers to reduce exposure to carcinogenic toxins. Grant awards will be celebrated at local events across the country, where members of the community can witness firsthand how their donations come full circle.

Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to "round up" their bill to the nearest dollar. The Foundation is also the beneficiary of a Charitable Sales Promotion where Firehouse of America (FOA) will donate to the Foundation a sum equivalent to 0.13% of all gross sales with a minimum donation of $1MM through December 31, 2018.

ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY FOUNDATION
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Firehouse Subs Founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen traveled to Mississippi where they provided food to first responders and survivors. As they returned home, they knew they could do more and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born, with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Since its inception, the non-profit organization has granted more than $35 million to hometown heroes in 47 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.  

To donate online and support Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

Connect:
Facebook: Facebook.com/FirehouseSubsFoundation 
Twitter: @savinglives
Website: www.firehousesubsfoundation.org

For More Media Information                                         
Tori Andrews
The Zimmerman Agency
(850) 668-2222 • [email protected]

SOURCE Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation