Media Release: Town Supports Firefighting Efforts in Zolochiv, Ukraine

A collaborative community effort is helping deliver much-needed firefighting equipment and supplies from Smiths Falls to its twin community of Zolochiv, Ukraine.

Working through the Ukrainian Twinning Working Group, a sub-committee of the Town's Equity for All Committee, local partners came together to gather, package, and ship a collection of firefighting gear and other supplies requested by Zolochiv officials. The shipment includes 26 sets of bunker gear, firefighter helmets, boots, water rescue equipment, emergency lighting, work gloves, and a taste of Canada with bottles of locally produced maple syrup.

After receiving a request for assistance from officials in Zolochiv, Mayor Shawn Pankow connected with the Smiths Falls Fire Department to determine what equipment might be available. The effort quickly grew into a regional and community-wide initiative, with neighbouring fire departments, local businesses, volunteers, and community organizations contributing equipment, supplies, logistics support, and donations to help ensure the shipment could reach Ukraine.

The Town of Smiths Falls extends its sincere thanks to the many individuals and organizations who made this initiative possible, including Seaway Express; Paul Birley of Bethel Pentecostal Church; Ed Dickson and Penny Stull of Loads of Love; Jordi Wills, Leslie Thompson, and Joel Nadeau of Wills Transfer; Joe and Derek of The Garden Market; the teams at Oliver Maple Works and Maple Pastures; Chief Rick Chesebrough and members of the Smiths Falls Fire Department; and the firefighters and leadership of Perth Fire Services and Carleton Place Fire Department.

"This is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together to help others," said Mayor Shawn Pankow. "From local businesses and organizations to neighbouring municipalities and volunteers, so many people stepped forward to support a community facing unimaginable challenges. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort."

This initiative represents the spirit of the twinning partnership between Smiths Falls and Zolochiv, Ukraine. Formalized through an Agreement of Twinness and Cooperation signed on June 16, 2025, the relationship was established to encourage friendship, cultural exchange, and collaboration between the two communities. As Zolochiv continues to face the realities of war, projects such as this demonstrate how international partnerships can foster meaningful support, solidarity, and human connection.

Included photos: Equipment and supplies destined for Zolochiv, Ukraine were collected and prepared for shipment through a collaborative effort involving local partners, volunteers, businesses, and fire services from across the region.

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Media Contact
Joanne Plontz
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
77 Beckwith Street N, Box 695
Smiths Falls, ON K7A 2B8
613-283-4124 ext. 1122
Communications@smithsfalls.ca