Over 250 people of all ages attended the Drumbo Firefighter’s Association Family Day Weekend Community Breakfast at Drumbo Fire Station #82 on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The event, which started back in 2019 as a community open house, included a buffet-style breakfast of sausage, eggs and pancakes, along with coffee and juice.
Fire Chief Rob Campbell said that while the breakfast was entirely free, the station was accepting donations during the three-hour event.
“We don’t charge anything, but we do have a donation bottle if people feel like they want to donate to our association,” he said. “And in turn, we use those donations to give back to a family in need, whether it’s medical expenses or anything of that nature. So really, it’s a totally non-profit breakfast, and it’s just a way to get everybody in on a Family Day weekend and to enjoy some time together. It’s nice because, as much as it’s supposed to be an event to give back to the community, the community gives a lot back to the event too.”
Given that their jobs often involve meeting people during an emergency situation Campbell added that the annual event provides an opportunity for the firefighters and community to connect with each other in a positive way.
“When it comes to the volunteer aspect of first responding with the fire department, sometimes it’s someone we know, and that familiar face can make a big difference. I’ve seen it firsthand,” he said. “So It’s nice to have some time to interact with people when it’s not their worst day, and that’s why we like to try and get involved in these events and fundraisers to make that connection.”
While many youngsters spent their time playing, trying to chase each other, many of the adults in the room took the opportunity to catch up with family, friends and acquaintances.
Gord Piggott and his mother Marion Piggott, who were just one of the many local families at the event, said they’ve been attending the breakfast for a long time and always enjoy being able to give back.
“Breakfast was very good,” said Gord. “And it’s really nice to come out and support the community like this.”
Overall, Campbell said that while he spent much of the morning cooking, he was grateful for everyone who attended the breakfast and for the chance to connect with them.
“I’m just happy to be here and engage our community, our friends and our family,” he said. “That’s what the weekend’s all about.”
In a post made to social media the next day, the Firefighters Association publicly thanked those who stopped by the event.
“On behalf of the Drumbo Firefighters Association and our families, thank you to everyone who came out to support our Family Day weekend breakfast! It was such a beautiful morning spent with an even more incredible community,” read the post. “Your support, generosity, and smiling faces truly mean the world to us. A very special thank you to our amazing local businesses who contributed and helped make the day such a success. We are so grateful for your continued support and community spirit. Because of you, all proceeds will be reinvested back into a local organization, keeping the spirit of giving right here at home. We are proud to serve such a supportive and caring community. From our families to yours, thank you!”
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
