Firefighters boot it to raise $40,000

Tri-Cities fire departments raised more than $40,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada in September during their annual boot drive.

Local firefighters shook their boots outside of grocery stores, movie theatres, liquor stores and pubs to raise money, joining fire departments from across the province, who tried to host a record number of boot drives in September, which is Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month.

In the last two weeks of September, Coquitlam Firefighters Local 1782, Port Coquitlam Firefighters Local 1941 and Port Moody Fire and Rescue raised $22,294, $12,000 and $7,557, respectively, to benefit Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

Muscular dystrophy is a group of more than 100 types of neuromuscular disorders characterized by the wasting and progressive weakness of muscles. Some are life-threatening and, presently, there is no cure.

The money raised by the fire departments will be donated to MDC to improve the quality of life for people living with neuromuscular disorders by purchasing mobility equipment, providing support services and funding research.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada said in a news release that it thanks local firefighters and the community for their generous donations.

published on 10/13/2006