Fundraiser For Firefighter Meals Postponed On Alexandria Waterfront

UPDATE: Due to the weather forecast, the Sept. 11 fundraiser was canceled and will be rescheduled on a later date.

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A fundraiser to feed firefighters during their shifts is planned on the Alexandria waterfront this upcoming Sunday.

The fundraiser is planned for Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park, King and Strand Streets. Fire Chief Corey Smedley of the Alexandria Fire Department will be present, along with firefighters, a fire truck for children to explore, freebies for children and adults, and raffles for Washington Nationals and Wizards tickets.

The Alexandria Fire Foundation noted firefighters pay for their own meals when on duty. The fundraiser focuses on providing healthy meals, as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of on-duty deaths for firefighters. The foundation is partnering with firefighter Jonathan Tate, founder of the nonprofit Food on the Stove, which is providing free healthy meals to Alexandria firefighters.

"Since the fire fighters have to buy their own food, they often buy food that is cheaper and easy to make," wrote Lorie Green, vice president of the Alexandria Fire Foundation, in an email to Patch. "Food on the Stove is changing that mind set by providing free healthy meals."

For those who cannot donate in person, checks can be sent to Alexandria Fire Foundation, c/o Renner & Company, 700 North Fairfax Street, Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314.