“I was just coming home from my friend’s house,” he said of the Friday evening fire that his dad, John, said ignited due to a dishwasher malfunction.
The Jasper Fire Department contained the blaze and saved the house, but there was extensive damage.
To show his appreciation to the department for saving his home, Kelan decided to give something back.
So, during his 10th birthday party at the pool on April 20, he asked for donations instead of presents. “He got to see the fire department close up and decided he wanted to give [the money] to them,” said John.
“I invited my whole hockey team, my whole class and some other friends,” said Kelan. Everyone contributed $460 altogether and that was presented at the party to deputy fire chief Ron Stanko.
Stanko discussed some options with Kelan and his friends about what the money could go toward and whom it could help. “They’re going to use the money to buy teddy bears for kids who are in car crashes, to make them [feel] more comfortable,” said Kelan.
To commemorate the donation, Stanko gave Kelan a fire department crest and made him an honourary member. In wake of his donation, Kelan offered a humble smile and said giving away the money made him “feel good.” His act of paying it forward also resonates with his parents.
“We’re really proud of him and his friends came through,” said John.
The Polard family is still living in their basement while repairs continue in their home.
