“Sparky” Some Joy with Birthday Wishes from Kingston Fire & Rescue

Published on: 2020/04/29 - in Releases

RELEASE — Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) has launched a special initiative aimed at making birthday celebrations a little brighter during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s called, “Sparky” Some Joy!

Through this campaign, residents can submit a request to have Sparky the Dog send video birthday wishes to a friend or family member celebrating their special day between now and May 31.

“Because of COVID-19, events have been cancelled and we have had to close our fire stations to the public. This, along with all the other impacts of the pandemic, has been difficult for families, kids especially. If you have someone in your life who is celebrating a birthday, Sparky wants to make it extra special by sending them a personalized birthday wish,” says Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ted Posadowski.

Submit your request to have Sparky send birthday wishes:

  • Email FirePrevention@CityofKingston.ca
  • In your email subject line write: BIRTHDAY
  • In the body of your email include the following information: the first name and age of the person celebrating, and your phone number in case one of Sparky’s assistants needs to get in touch.
  • All residents who submit a birthday request via email will receive a brief note back acknowledging their request.
  • Provide Sparky with at least two business days’ notice before the birthday. For example, if the birthday is on a Monday, submit the request before Thursday at 8 a.m. If the birthday is on a Friday, submit the request before Wednesday at 8 a.m.
  • Please note that at this time this initiative is only open to residents of Kingston.

Anyone who requests a birthday wish from Sparky is asked to consider making a donation to United Way of KFL&A’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund. This fund supports organizations within our community who are helping those directly impacted by COVID-19.

“This is a short-term solution, and way to give back to our community. We hope residents will support this initiative and consider donating to the United Way,” says Posawdowski.

“Woof!” –We’re all in this together, says Sparky!
* Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 changes.
* Find answers to your COVID-19 questions from KFL&A Public Health.


Release: City of Kingston
Image (cropped) & Video: Kingston Fire & Rescue on Twitter