Wolfeboro Firefighters Fill Their Boots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wolfeboro Firefighters battled more than fires this past weekend as they collected funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association during their annual Fill-the-Boot campaign. Firefighters held their collections in front of the High School as a “voluntary toll” as well as at the local grocery stores, Harvest Market and Hunters IGA. Proceeds will help MDA provide services to local New Hampshire families, such as expert medical care at the MDA clinic at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, summer camp for youngsters, purchases and repairs of wheelchairs, leg braces or communication devices and other scientific research treatments and cures
Wolfeboro Fire Department Local 3709 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters. This is the association’s 55th year dedicating its members’ time and efforts to the MDA. The Fill-the-Boot tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney’s Fire Engine Company #1 in South Boston. IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 firefighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000. Realizing the potential that firefighters had to offer the cause and their excellent image in the community, Graney approached and persuaded other IAFF members to support MDA. In August of 1954, IAFF named MDA as their ‘charity of choice’ and their signature fundraising activity has been the MDA Fill-the-Boot drive. The IAFF has emerged as the single largest sponsor of MDA, contributing nearly $300 million since 1954, all to benefit Jerry’s kids.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 400 research projects around the world and sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics. For more information, please contact the local MDA office at 603-471-2722.
Wolfeboro Fire Department Local 3709 is a part of the International Association of Fire Fighters. This is the association’s 55th year dedicating its members’ time and efforts to the MDA. The Fill-the-Boot tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney’s Fire Engine Company #1 in South Boston. IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 firefighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000. Realizing the potential that firefighters had to offer the cause and their excellent image in the community, Graney approached and persuaded other IAFF members to support MDA. In August of 1954, IAFF named MDA as their ‘charity of choice’ and their signature fundraising activity has been the MDA Fill-the-Boot drive. The IAFF has emerged as the single largest sponsor of MDA, contributing nearly $300 million since 1954, all to benefit Jerry’s kids.
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. MDA also supports nearly 400 research projects around the world and sponsors 220 hospital-affiliated clinics. For more information, please contact the local MDA office at 603-471-2722.
posted by Local 3708
