Fire Fighters
Fire Fighters are part of Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s DNA. Our partnership is seven decades strong and growing. Your continued support is changing thousands of lives in your community and across the country.
Championing the fight against barriers
Fire Fighters are literally and figuratively breaking down barriers every day.
Whether you’re saving lives by breaking through doors, rescuing people from dangerous situations, or helping communities during emergencies, Fire Fighters embody the spirit of overcoming obstacles.
In their partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Fire Fighters extend this same determination, working tirelessly to eliminate barriers to care, support, and accessibility for people living with neuromuscular disorders, helping to ensure a better future for the neuromuscular community.
Thank you for your support and for continuing this time-honoured tradition that is changing lives for people living with neuromuscular disorders in your community and across Canada.
“I am proud to uphold the Fire Fighter tradition of supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada. As a father with a son affected by a neuromuscular disorder, I experience the positive effects of our contributions firsthand. The strides being made in research are inspiring, and it’s clear that we’re making a difference every day.”
BRODIE GRANT, CITY OF MISSISSAUGA FIRE FIGHTER
A history of impact
With their continued commitment and support, Fire Departments and Associations across Canada have built a legacy of impact and change for the neuromuscular community.
1954
Our longstanding partnership with Fire Fighters across Canada begins
600+
Number of Fire Departments and Associations across Canada that support Muscular Dystrophy Canada
$100M
More than $100 million raised by Fire Fighters across Canada since the beginning of our partnership
From boot drives to stair climbs – it all counts!
For decades, Fire Fighters across Canada have made a powerful impact by raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada – often through the iconic Fill the Boot campaign. This tradition of collecting donations in boots helped spark a movement that continues to this day.
Now, Fire Fighter fundraising has grown far beyond the boot.
From rooftop campouts to stair climbs, car washes to sporting events, truck pulls to community BBQs – Fire Fighters are finding new, creative ways to raise funds that fit their communities and their teams.
Whether you carry on the Fill the Boot legacy or take your own approach, what matters is your commitment to helping the neuromuscular community.
Every event, every idea, and every dollar raised brings someone closer to the cures, care, equipment, and support they need to live more fully.
The difference you make
Thanks to your support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, you’re helping people and families who are part of the neuromuscular community to:
- Receive a confirmed diagnosis in a faster timeframe, including children with spinal muscular atrophy who are now screened at birth and can benefit from life-changing treatments
- Learn about clinical trials that can provide people with access to new drugs being tested and pave the way for future medications that can become a regular part of treatment
- Access equipment and assistive devices they cannot get through public health programs, providing them with an affordable means of maintaining their mobility and independence
- Connect with our support specialists and a community of peers who understand what they are going through, reducing social isolation and providing them with empathy and compassion at a vulnerable time
"Events supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada are rewarding for everybody because we see the difference they make in people’s lives"
Courtney Polson, City of Edmonton Fire Fighter
How to get involved
Perhaps your department is already part of Fill the Boot. Maybe you’re looking to start your fundraising activities for this year. Or you’d like to create a new fundraising initiative to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
We have a dedicated website where you can register your event, join a team, fundraise, and donate. You can head there now, or if you’d like support, our team would be happy to walk you through what’s involved.
Need help? We’re here for you!
Our team is available to help you and your Fire Department get started! We’ll assist you with setup and answer any questions you have. Please contact us at filltheboot@muscle.ca
Shout-outs and recognition
Fire Departments and Associations across Canada are tremendous champions for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the neuromuscular community we support. We’re grateful for all you do!
A one-million milestone
Our thanks to the following Fire Departments and Associations across Canada who have each surpassed $1 million raised for Muscular Dystrophy Canada:
- Barrie Fire & Emergency Service (Ontario): $1,441,073.53
- Burnaby Fire Fighters (British Columbia): $1,198,080.76
- Canadian Fire Fighters Curling Association: $1,125,402.39
- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (Alberta): $2,466,527.79
- Langford Fire Rescue (British Columbia): $1,065,262.40
- London Professional Fire Fighters Association (Ontario): $1,006,450.37
- Lower Vancouver Island Fire Fighters (British Columbia): $1,473,827.68
- Smithers Fire Rescue (British Columbia): $1,043,284.11
- Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association (Ontario): $1,378,794.59
- United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (Manitoba): $1,212,561.31
Four-legged fun
Local Fire Fighters and their service dogs volunteered at our Alberta Family Retreat, putting a huge smile on everyone’s face!
For the kid in all of us
At our Quebec Family Retreat, families enjoyed various activities and entertainment, including Fire Fighters showing kids of all ages their truck.
National Fire Fighter Relations Committee
Fire Fighters are a part of our organization through this advisory committee that helps our staff maintain a strong relationship with the Fire Fighter community so we can continue to grow our collective impact. Learn more.