The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education is a registered Canadian charity founded in 2010 after the Hawkins family died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The foundation's mission is to educate Canadians about the dangers of carbon monoxide and to provide CO alarms to communities in need. Fire departments across Canada can apply to receive donated CO alarms through the foundation's grant program. View Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education (HGFC)'s website for more information.
The Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education operates as a charitable foundation that provides tangible safety equipment (carbon monoxide alarms) to fire departments and communities across Canada. Unlike traditional grant programs that provide monetary funding, this foundation provides in-kind grants of life-saving detection devices through an application process.
Fire departments can apply to the Foundation to receive donated CO alarms. The foundation purchases alarms at special rates from Canada's CO alarm manufacturers and distributes them to qualified fire departments. Each alarm grant is tracked and distribution is verified in each community to ensure proper deployment.
As a registered charity under the Canadian Revenue Agency, the Foundation is bound by the requirements and laws governing all registered charities in Canada. The Foundation maintains transparency by tracking alarm distribution and verifying delivery in communities.
Founded in 2010 in Woodstock, Ontario, the Foundation was established following the tragic 2008 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths of OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard, and their children Cassie and Jordan. The tragedy was caused by a blocked vent from a gas fireplace. Executive Director John Gignac (Laurie's uncle) leads the foundation's efforts, traveling across Canada to raise awareness and distribute CO alarms.
The Foundation targets fire departments, schools, communities, and families across all provinces and territories in Canada. Since its founding, the Foundation has traveled to every province and territory, speaking at events, schools, fire halls, legislatures, and to media. Notable donations include 300 CO alarms to Atlantic Canada fire departments during Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week 2024.
The Foundation works with fire departments across Canada, and has received funding support from Health Canada, Insurance Bureau of Canada, and Murphy Hospitality Group for its educational tours and alarm distribution programs.