On Saturday, December 11, the Burn Institute teamed up with San Diego Fire-Rescue to host the Annual Burn Survivor Holiday Party at Station 45. Volunteers from Escondido Fire grilled up hot dogs and hamburgers for the 250 attendees!

Families enjoyed visiting with furry friends from Helen Woodward Animal Center and kept busy with holiday crafts, lunch, and more. Santa had his grand arrival on a shiny red engine and took photos with everyone, while Jim’s Wooden Toys gave out hand-crafted wooden animals in all shapes and sizes for children to take home as special holiday gifts.

It was a magical afternoon that brought not only burn survivors together with one another, but connected them with the heroes who saved them.

On Saturday, December 4, families in Imperial connected over arts and crafts, a fire safety puppet show, and some holiday games. New burn survivors had the chance to meet with a community that understands their particular experiences, struggles, and successes.

Thank you to all our donors and supporters for helping create these days full of smiles and laughter: UCSD Burn Center, Mölnlycke, Sempra, Falck, Jim’s Wooden Toys, Escondido Fire, SDFR, Valley Center Firefighters Association, San Diego County Fire Prevention Officers Association, Carlsbad Fire Department, and everyone who donated through our Amazon Wishlist.