When something happens in a Czech village, they are usually the first to respond. They play a front line role in dealing with fires and emergencies – but they are also often the ones invigorating villages and towns through social, cultural, and sporting events. Yes, we’re talking about volunteer firefighters. Via Foundation and the Kaufland company have supported a number of community projects led by volunteer firefighters through the Million for… grant program. In Havlovice in the Liberec region, local volunteer firefighters initiated a cinema on wheels; in Bělá u Jevíčka, they built new benches for a village green space; and in Lochkov, Prague, they secured new tents and a barbecue for neighborhood celebrations. In the stories below, you can see how the energy of volunteer firefighters is sparking new life into communities in the Czech Republic.
HAVLOVICE: A CINEMA ON WHEELS AND AN APIARY
There are about 70 inhabitants in Havlovice, which is part of the small village of Kobyly in the Liberec region. There is a fire station and a fire reservoir on the village green. Volunteer firefighters play an important role in the social and cultural life of the village. “While in the past, firefighters mainly protected property, today we organize sports competitions, village dances and community events,” explained Marcela Němečková from the Havlovice Volunteer Firefighters Association. In order to have a place to hold these celebrations, the firefighters restored a local site called the Včelín (Apiary). “In the past, bees were kept here, but then the place became a venue for cultural events. It is located in a ‘strategic’ place under trees, which is ideal for holding events,” noted Marcela Němečková.
This year, thanks to support from the Million for Turnov grant program, the Havlovice firefighters were able to purchase new benches and picnic tables for the apiary, as well as rain protection and kitchen equipment. They also bought a projector, which finally made it possible to realize their long-standing dream of having a cinema on wheels in Havlovice. “At the first neighborhood film screening, we enjoyed a hockey game featuring the Liberec White Tigers,” added Marcela. The firefighters are genuinely delighted that, thanks to the project, people from the community are interacting more often and getting involved in event organization themselves.
BĚLÁ U JEVÍČKA: SEATING UNDER LINDEN TREES AND BENCHES BUILT BY LOCAL RESIDENTS
When you look at the municipal coat of arms of Bělá u Jevíčka, three hearts catch your eye. They represent the three parts of the municipality – called Bělá, Malonín, and Smolná. Two of the three local parts have their own firefighting associations – Bělá and Smolná. And as the mayor of the municipality, Petr Nárožný, pointed out, firefighters are irreplaceable in Bělá u Jevíčka: “Alongside the municipality, these two firefighting associations are the most important bearers of local culture.” For example, the Smolná firefighters organize an annual event in July called “Posezení pod lipami ve Smolné” (Sitting under the linden trees in Smolná). “This event is attended by over 500 visitors from the village and the surrounding area, which is pretty impressive considering that Smolná has only 75 residents and the Smolna firefighters have only 26 members,” said the mayor. With a grant from the Million for Moravská Třebová program administered by Via and funded by Kaufland, Bělá u Jevíčka was able to purchase solid wood benches, which are now used for events by both the village and the two firefighter associations. “We are delighted when these benches and tables are packed at events,” added the mayor. In his view, local residents feel a strong attachment to the new amenities because they were involved in assembling and painting them – getting their hands dirty created a direct connection to their hearts!
LOCHKOV: NEW EQUIPMENT FOR NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATIONS
Lochkov community celebrations, campfires, spring witches’ bonfire, carnival, and the popular traffic safety event KOLMO are all events organized by volunteer firefighters from Lochkov, Prague, for local residents and neighbors from surrounding villages. Thanks to a grant from Milion pro Barrandov grant program, this year the Lochkov firefighters were able to purchase new tents and picnic tables and a gas barbecue. “We have already purchased most of the items and are looking forward to using them this year at events for the community,” says Pavel Kvasnovský, head of the Lochkov Volunteer Firefighters Association, adding that it is great that the tradition of the Lochkov Festivities can continue thanks to the new equipment. The Lochkov firefighters thus remain what they have always been—a group of people doing something useful for others. “We like to help people and organize various events for them, and we also encourage children to participate in sports,” Kvasnovský pointed out.
