Firefighters Fill the Boot campaign this week
The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2424 members will be busy filling their boots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association this week.
Cape Coral firefighters will participate in MDA’s national Fill the Boot campaign by collecting money at Santa Barbara Boulevard and Veterans Parkway, Cape Coral Parkway and Del Prado Boulevard, and Pine Island Road Del Prado Boulevard Thursday and Frida,y March 4 and 5, from 8-10 a.m. and again from 4-6 p.m.; and Saturday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Last year Florida firefighters raised $2,109,626 for “Jerry’s Kids” at intersections across the state of Florida. The Cape firefighters raised over $14,000 alone, and are hoping to top their boots off at the $15,000 mark. All proceeds from the Cape Coral Boot Drive will aid local children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases, helping MDA to provide clinic visits, support groups, flu shots and a week-long summer camp for kids ages 6 to 18. MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat 43 neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive services, and professional and public education.
The IAFF has a long standing relationship of partnering with the MDA and is their largest national sponsor. In 1953 the IAFF officially committed to support the MDA until the day that neuromuscular diseases are eliminated. IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger sums it up well in this statement, “I am proud to say that the fire fighters are the longest and most generous donors to the MDA. ‘Jerry’s Kids’ truly are very special and deserve every penny. That is why it is important that we continue this time-honored tradition.”