The writer encourages residents to participate in the annual subscription fund drive
I have recently retired from the Washington Township Ambulance & Rescue Association after 21 years as a proud volunteer, and then 12 years as their business manager. Our squad has a long and honorable history of serving the residents of Washington Township, starting back in 1956. They are a registered 501C-3 non-profit corporation and provides 911 services 24-hours per day, 365 days a year, with well-trained, EMT certified personnel and a fleet of seven modern ambulances.
They can only support themselves by billing for the 911 services they provide, hall rentals and the annual subscription fund drive. Unfortunately, many of our residents do not realize the squad is not funded in any way by the township or the real estate taxes we all pay. They are also not a part of the fire department budget in any way! This puts them at a real disadvantage when it comes to raising funds to operate at the necessary levels.
The nature of the business is such that there is no way to affect the 911 call volume revenues. Hall rentals help a little, but the best area where we all can help is the annual subscription fund drive. Each year, approximately 18,000 to 20,000 letters are sent to our residents and businesses. It’s hard to believe that less than 10 percent of our residents choose to respond with a contribution! To those that do support the squad, I give you a heart-felt thank you.
Remember, this is one of the few contributions that stays in our town and provides a direct benefit for our residents, helping to secure the immediate response of their crews to our needs. This is not a membership drive. Whether you choose to contribute or not, rest assured that you will get their help if you need it, day or night. If a resident or business has not participated in the first mailing, there will be a second mailing in May.
I urge the residents and businesses of our town to take a second look and choose to support our ambulance squad. They need your support and certainly deserve it. Watch for the mailing and do not throw it away!
Richard A. Fowler
