Ben & Jerry's Raises $2,100 for Canton Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs

Submitted release 

People started calling and lining up for Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s of Canton, at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley, an hour before the opening bell - at noon.   Some came for the freebees.

Others showed up to enjoy the super premium ice cream on a beautiful spring day. But most of the 5,000 plus people, who traveled from all over the region to Ben & Jerry’s of Canton, came to support the volunteer firefighters and EMTs at the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department. And, their donations totaled over $2,100.

This brings the total value of donations to the Department, from Ben & Jerry’s of Canton Free Cone Days – 2005 to 2013 - to over $15,500.  

From noon until 8 p.m., volunteer firefighters, EMTs, Fire Police and Cadets served over 55 tubs of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream — with Cookie Dough being the most popular. Volunteer Firefighters and EMTs also provided tours of the Department’s Engine 4 and Ambulance.  

“This was the best Free Cone Day ever,” said Phil Killoran, co-owner of Ben & Jerry’s of Canton with wife Brandi – winners of Ben & Jerry’s 2011 Franchise/Rookies of the Year. “We want to thank everyone in the community and beyond who came out. We love supporting Canton’s volunteer firefighters and EMTs.”  

Department Chief Richard Hutchings summed up the day, “As always, 100% of the donations will be applied toward the purchase of new equipment and uniforms for our volunteers. We thank our community partners, Phil and Brandi Killoran of Ben & Jerry’s of Canton and all those who donated, for their generosity and support of our work.”  

Anyone interested in joining the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire & EMS Department can visit www.cantonfireandems.org, or drop by the Collinsville, North Canton or Canton firehouses Monday evenings during the Department’s weekly practice drill at 7 p.m.