March 3, 2010
Brooks, Calif. – Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation today contributed $15,892 from the Tribe’s
Community Fund to Yolo County’s Firefighter Burn Institute’s annual “Fill the Boot for Burns” fundraising drive.
The fundraiser benefits life-altering burn recovery programs, including Firefighters Kids Camp for young burn survivors and the Little Heroes Preschool Burn Camp.
“The Firefighter Burn Institute is committed to making a difference in the lives of children whose burns have not only scarred their bodies but also their emotional wellbeing,” said Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Marshall McKay. “The Tribe is proud to help in the healing of these children and to support local firefighters who keep our communities safe. Our Community Fund has given more than $155,800 since its first donation in 2002.”
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation operates its own tribal fire department. The Yocha Dehe Fire
Department plays a vital role in emergency response and life safety throughout the Capay Valley and Yolo County by providing full-service fire protection, technical rescue and paramedic emergency services. It serves as a community partner through mutual aid agreements with other fire departments to protect the citizens and land in Yolo County and has become a model department in California.
“The Tribe has always put an emphasis on fire safety and we are proud to support the Fill the Boot for Burns drive and the good work of our fellow firefighters,” said Yocha Dehe Fire Chief Mike Chandler.
Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has a longstanding culture of giving. Over the past decade, the Yocha Dehe Community Fund has provided nearly $18 million in financial support to nonprofit organizations and service providers in Sacramento and Yolo Counties of California. The Yocha Dehe Community Fund was one of the first to be established by a Native American tribe in California and is a recognized leader in local charitable giving.