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Pink is the new black
Firefighter-led fundraiser returns to Turlock
firefighters pink campaign
Cost Less Foods Company Store Manager Oscar Avila (far right) and his crew show off their pink T-shirts in support of the Turlock Firefighters Local #2434’s breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign. Avila was the inspiration behind this year’s T-shirt design, according to Turlock Fire Capt. Frank Saldivar (CANDY PADILLA/The Journal).

Pantone may have claimed ultra violet as the color of 2018, but around these parts the color du jour is pink.

Turlock Firefighters Local #2434 has switched out their normal day-to-day uniforms for pink T-shirts in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness. But the pink T-shirts are more than a wardrobe change for the firefighters; it’s a fundraising campaign that has brought in more than $100,000 for the Bill and Elsie Ahlem Cancer Endowment, said Turlock Fire Capt. Frank Saldivar, who has spearheaded the campaign for several years now.

This year’s design includes the image of a Turlock Fire engine, an aspect that was suggested by Cost Less Foods Company Store Manager Oscar Avila, who has been an ardent supporter of the campaign since the onset.

Avila had suggested the idea for the shirt last year, but the firefighters already had a design set in motion, but Saldivar liked the idea and made sure it was used this year.

“He had no idea what this year’s design was going to be, but once I showed him he was really excited,” Saldivar said.

The community can help support the efforts by purchasing and wearing the T-shirts as well. T-shirts can be pre-ordered through the union’s website at www.turlockfirefighters.org. The shirts also will be sold in October at Crivelli’s Shirts & More, at 310 E Main St.; the gift shop at Emanuel Medical Center at 825 Delbon Ave.; and at fire administration at 244 N. Broadway.

All the shirts are $15 and are available in styles for men, women and children, in a variety of sizes.

The firefighters will be selling the T-shirts Oct. 6 and 7 at Red Robin at 3105 W. Monte Vista Ave. Also on those days, 10 percent of the bill from diners will be donated to the fundraiser. On Oct. 11, the shirts will be on sale at the 209 Women’s Leadership Round Table breakfast at Hilmar Cheese at 9001 Lander Ave.; and on Oct. 20 at the WISG Cars and Coffee event at Mitchell Avenue and E. Canal Drive.

Businesses, organizations and individuals are invited to share their pictures with the Journal by emailing them to: khacker@turlockjournal.com. The Journal will publish as many photos as possible throughout the month of October.