Category: Fire Fighters

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT: FIRE FIGHTERS AND MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Through boot drives and tolls on local roads, community barbeques,
rooftop campouts, car washes, stair climbs and raffles – you name it – more than 600 fire departments, locals and associations across our country work with Muscular Dystrophy Canada every year so they can give all neuromuscular disorders “the boot” in this lifetime.

Fire Fighters have hosted these fundraising events for 70 years to support people affected by neuromuscular disorders.

“When it’s Fire Fighters and MDC together, we’re a family, and we know they need our help. So, when it comes to fundraising, I say, give me a challenge, and I’ll give you my best,” said volunteer Fire Fighter with Middlesex County, Launie Fletcher. Launie has been fundraising with Muscular Dystrophy Canada for 40 years!

Fundraising events also provide Fire Fighters with an opportunity to meet Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders and see how they’re helping transform lives.

City of Edmonton career Fire Fighter, Courtney Polson added, “Events are just so rewarding for everybody because we see the difference they make. With Muscular Dystrophy Canada, I’ve seen firsthand where the money goes – how it makes a difference in people’s lives.”

To learn more about our 70-year partnership with Fire Fighters or to make a gift of appreciation, visit FilltheBoot.ca.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s partnership with Fire Fighters started in
1954
Total amount raised
by Fire Fighters over
70 years:
$103,607,542
2023:
$2.5 million
2024 goal:
$3.2 million

FIRE FIGHTERS IGNITE JOY AND MAKE LASTING CONNECTIONS

Fire Fighters go above and beyond in more ways than we can count!

For almost seven decades, dedicated and passionate Fire Fighters across Canada have been supporting the neuromuscular community in a variety of ways. They raise important funds through boot drives, rooftop campouts, stair climbs and other activities. But, did you know they also give their time at MDC events to connect with the community throughout the year?

In 2023, local Fire Fighters and their service dogs volunteered for MDC’s Alberta Family Retreat, putting a huge smile on everyone’s face! At our Quebec Family Retreat, families enjoyed various activities and entertainment, including Fire Fighters showing kids of all ages (even kids at heart) their truck. Fire Fighters also took part in several Walk and Roll for MDC events last year.

These are only a few examples of the incredible support, dedication and interest Fire Fighter partners offer the neuromuscular community year-round. We are so grateful for their commitment and all they help accomplish! To learn more about how Fire Fighters
support the NMD community visit filltheboot.ca

THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!

No one has missed seeing Fire Fighters out in the community supporting individuals affected by neuromuscular disorders more than Fire Fighters themselves.

“We are so happy to be in a position where we can bring the boots back out into the community to raise funds and awareness.”

Dan Hamel, Chair of the National Fire Fighter Relations Committee

Learn more “THE BOOTS ARE BACK AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!”

Fire Fighters Fill the Boot Campaign Goes Virtual

For Immediate Release. May 5, 2020

Toronto, Ontario – For an incredible 65 years Fire Fighters across Canada have helped Fill the Boot. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, Fire Fighters had to cancel their fundraising efforts this Spring, but the needs of people impacted by neuromuscular disorders can’t be cancelled. MDC still needs to provide critical services and programs to our clients.

Fire Fighters and MDC want to keep the tradition of helping to Fill the Boot going and since Fire Fighters can’t physically be out in their communities asking people to help, we have created a virtual Fill the Boot campaign.

With the help of many supporters, including Owen McGonigal who kicked off the campaign with the first #filltheboot video, we are able to keep Fill the Boot efforts going this year.

“I look forward to seeing our local Fire Fighters out in the community every year. They are an incredible support and inspiration to the neuromuscular community,” says Owen. “I challenge all of you to join me and post your own video, make a donation and challenge your friends. Together, we can support Fire Fighters and all Canadians impacted by neuromuscular disorders.”

Supporters can post their #filltheboot video on social media, donate at filltheboot.ca and challenge three friends to do the same! Visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see the #filltheboot campaign in action!

“We’re so excited about this campaign and the opportunity to move our fundraising efforts to the virtual world. During such an unprecedented and uncertain time, one thing we know we can always count on is unwavering support from Fire Fighters,” says Stacey Lintern, Interim CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “Fire Fighters have supported MDC since its inception in 1954, we are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication to our cause and our clients”.

Find out more by visiting filltheboot.ca.

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ABOUT MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY CANADA

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit  www.muscle.ca  or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.

MEDIA CONTACT

Heather Rice
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Heather.Rice@muscle.ca
902-440-3714

Important Update on Phone Solicitations

STATEMENT REGARDING PHONE SOLICITATIONS

Muscular Dystrophy Canada does not use telemarketing services.

Several years ago, the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association (CFFCA) retained a telemarketing company to assist in fundraising for their annual curling event. A portion of the funds raised in past years were donated to MDC.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada can confirm a campaign soliciting donations for the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association has begun, seeking donations that support the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association.

We have received complaints regarding the tone and approach of solicitation calls. We have brought these to the attention of the President of CFFCA.

Should you have any concerns or questions please contact the Canadian Fire Fighter Curling Association directly at cffca.ca. We sincerely thank all of our generous supporters for making our work possible.

Barbara Stead-Coyle
CEO

Brayden’s Journey

I met Brayden Graft when he was just five-days-old. Little did I know then the impact he would have on my life.


Individuals, like Brayden Graft, diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy need your support to live rich, full lives.

My friends Leanne and Tony had been fostering children for about five years and already had a baby at home when their social worker called about Brayden. They didn’t even think twice about taking him home.

You probably have friends just like Leanne and Tony. Humble, hardworking people with a ton of love to give. Leanne has always had a soft-spot for children, with four of her own, but as her kids grew up and left home she knew she and Tony had more love to give.

Eighteen-months-later they were offered the chance to adopt Brayden and once again they didn’t hesitate.

They couldn’t imagine life without him. He had become their precious, fun-loving son.

Just a couple of months later, Brayden was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).

This month, my team members and I celebrated International Fire Fighter Day, and in honour of that, I hope you will read Brayden’s story and consider making a donation to Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

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