Fund launched by Vancouver mayor for firefighter mental health accepts bitcoin

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim speaks at a council meeting in this file photo.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has launched a fund dedicated to support the mental health of firefighters.

According to the mayor’s office, the initiative stems out of figures from the Canadian Mental Health Association that show suicide rates among firefighters are 30 per cent higher than the general public, due to the trauma they face on the job.

When the pledged funds are donated, the fund will be administered by the Vancouver Firefighter Charities and accepts both cash donations and Bitcoin.

“To date, donors have pledged a combined total of 3.5 bitcoin to the fund, a value equivalent to approximately C$550,000,” said a statement from the mayor’s office.

“These pledges are in addition to the C$2.7 million raised during last week’s fundraiser in support of the Vancouver Firefighter Charities.”

Sim announced the initiative at the Vancouver Firefighter Charities fundraiser event held Sept. 13.

Eric Himmelman, the executive director of the Vancouver Firefighter Charities, said the organization will distribute the funds meaningfully.

“Any funding and awareness going towards delivering more mental health support for firefighters who are struggling is greatly appreciated and necessary now more than ever before,” he added.

In December, 2024 Sim tabled a successful motion asking staff to make the city “bitcoin friendly.”

Staff are expected to present this report in the fall.