The Firefighters' Burned Children Fund was organized in 1989 by firefighters concerned about children at the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center and other burn care facilities.

More than 35% of all burn injuries and deaths are to children. Burns are the second leading cause of accidental death for children one to four years and the third leading cause of death for all those under age 19.

Burn injuries are emotional as well as physical, requiring many adjustments for growing and maturing children.

Firefighters purchase special items as requested by the staff of the burn care facilities. These are usually non-medical items that are not covered by insurance. This has included pediatric wheelchairs, exercise equipment, and a teddy bear or fire truck just to cheer up a child.

Camp Celebrate! is a unique camping opportunity for young burn survivors. Campers associate with other burn survivors and help encourage one another. The camp was developed by the N. C. Jaycee Burn Center and was the first of its kind. Now similar camps exist worldwide.

The Fund supports Camp Celebrate!, which is free of charge to the campers. Transportation is provided when needed and firefighters work with burn center staff as camp counselors.

The worst type of burn is one that could have been prevented. The Firefighters' Burned Children Fund works with firefighters and medical professionals across the nation to promote safety awareness.

Fires are not the only cause of burn injuries. Hot tap water and heated foods account for a large percentage of burns.

Make certain tonight that your smoke alarm works and that your family knows what to do in the event of fire.

The Firefighters' Burned Children Fund is involved in a variety of fund-raising programs, from recycling aluminum cans to raffles and auctions. Contributions are tax deductible. The Fund is a recognized non-profit organization, meeting the 501(C)3 provision of the Federal Tax Code.

For more information visit the Firefighters' Burned Children Fund at:  www.ffbcf.org

You can also send e-mail to:
FFBCF@CI.CHARLOTTE.NC.US (ALL CAPS)