ISVH Balcon al Mar Voluntarios Firefighters

Hi, my name is Aaron, and I'm one of the new trainee volunteers with the Voluntary Fire Brigade in Balcon al Mar, Javea. The Brigade is part of the ISVH a neighbourhood association with approximately 800 members.

I'm excited to share that I will be taking on a challenge to raise funds for this amazing organization for the coming year.

For this challenge, I'll be hiking up and down The Montgo followed by a walk to the ISVH Voluntarios Balcon al Mar station. I'll be carrying 44lbs (about 20kg) of equipment - representing the gear we may use during a call out. The total distance covered will be 754 meters (2,470ft) up the Montgo and back down plus 17km (10.6 mile) to the station.

The 44lbs represents a pound for each year the the ISVH Voluntarios Balcon al Mar has been in existence.

So why am I doing this? As mentioned, it's to raise funds for an organization that depends on donations to continue it's important work. But there is also a personal reason. Last year, my wife and I experienced the fire risk in Javea first-hand when one fire came alarmingly close to our home. We had to grab our emergency bags and evacuate for several hours.

The event sparked a conversation about what we could do to help. With my background in the Infantry and Security, as well as my current role as a Fire Safety Consultant and Medic on TV sets I realized I could contribute to such a dedicated and special organization that protects our community.

My wife and I have fallen in love with the area and decided to make it our permanent home. We've been warmly welcomed by many and by volunteering with the ISVH Voluntarios Balcon al Mar I feel like I'm giving back in my own way.

I'll be taking on this challenge on April 12th and donations will be accepted until May 12th