Since 1999, the Strathcona Firefighters’ Honour Guard has hosted an annual Comedy Fundraiser in support of the Guard and the Strathcona Fallen Fire Fighter's Memorial. Over the course of those events, the Guard has developed some lasting friendships with the comics appearing in the shows. One such comic is Canadian Stand-Up Johnny "Bagpipes" Johnston.

Through conversations with John, the Guard became aware of the Lillydale B. School located just outside of Kruger National Park in South Africa. Feeling that we had to do something in support of the school project, the Honour Guard and K-Rock 97.3 Radio assisted Reservations Africa in hosting the “Burning for Knowledge” Comedy Fundraiser and Silent Auction on March 27, 2003. With the help of overwhelming community support, the evening raised over $23,500.00 to support the school.

All funds raised during the event were taken to South Africa in the spring of 2003. Along with the funds, John Johnston and Marianne Schaubeck also transported 50 white T-shirts courtesy of Anthem Sportswear and a flag from the Strathcona County Fire Fighter's Union-I.A.F.F. Local 2461. The funds will be used to provide salaries for the teaching staff at the school and to complete a bore hole to provide fresh water for the school.