From left: Reno-Sparks Retirees Club members Cyril Escallier, Frank Istrice, and Club President Ron Borst.
In the Reno-Sparks, Nevada area, triple-digit temperatures in late summer aren’t uncommon. Unfortunately, many seniors simply cannot afford to pay for air conditioning, and the sweltering heat makes summertime uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening for low-income seniors.
Four years ago, IBEW Local 1245 Reno-Sparks Retirees Club President Ron Borst challenged the members of his club to take up a fan collection to address this very serious issue. The collection has become an annual tradition for the retirees, and this year, they donated 43 box fans to the Washoe County Human Services Agency, which will in turn distribute them to seniors that can not afford air conditioning.
“I would like to thank you for your generous donation of forty-three box fans to our Senior Services Division,” Washoe County Human Services Coordinator Abby Badolato wrote in a letter to the Retirees Club. “We are committed to enriching the lives of our participants by providing quality services while preserving their dignity and independence. Washoe County seniors, who have contributed so much to quality of life in our community, deserve no less. Thank you for making a difference with your gift. Everyone appreciates your generosity.”
Over the past four years, the Reno-Sparks retirees have donated a total of 163 fans to needy seniors.