Buffalo Ridge Young Marines donate AED to Living Waters Church
Dec. 5—WORTHINGTON — The Buffalo Ridge Young Marines program, led by Dan Harrington, successfully organized a fundraiser to equip Living Water Covenant Church with an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The initiative came to light during a CPR certification course for the Young Marines, who conduct their meetings at the church. It was discovered the church lacked the emergency, life-saving device.
"During our CPR class, we asked the kids, 'Where is the AED located?' and realized we couldn't find it," shared Harrington. "I asked (pastor John Stewart) if we have one, and he told me we didn't."
Determined to rectify this, the Young Marines conducted a breakfast fundraiser Nov. 18 at the church, engaging the community in their mission. The Young Marines have met at Living Water Covenant Church twice a month for the past four years, and Harrington saw an opportunity to pay it forward.
"We thought this would be a cool way to give back, especially to the church," Harrington said.
The event was a success, raising half of the necessary funds, with the Young Marines donating the remaining amount, ensuring the purchase of the new AED.
The AED was presented to Stewart at the annual Toys for Tots drop-off event Dec. 2, at Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center. Harrington, who coordinates Toys for Tots with the Young Marines, found it to be an opportune moment for the presentation.
"We don't meet much in December, and I knew most of the kids would be here," Harrington said. "I wanted the kids who worked hard to be here to present John the award."
The choice of AED was carefully considered to ensure compatibility with emergency medical services.
"EMS can download data from the device, making it more efficient for them to get info right away and get that person to the hospital," Harrington said. "This device will pay for itself if only used once. You hope to never use it, but having that peace of mind that we have that tool or resource is crucial."
