By Scott Roblin

Local firefighters raise over $8,600 for muscular dystrophy

Oct 28, 2018 | 8:10 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – Local fire crews had their hands full outside of Redcliff on Saturday, but it wasn’t a crash or a wildfire that had them running.

Instead, it was a chance to help the community combat a rare muscular disease with the ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign along Broadway Avenue East.

Firefighters stopped cars for around four hours on Saturday, asking for donations from motorists that will be sent to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Even though traffic was held up for a bit, Cypress County deputy fire chief John McBain said drivers didn’t seem to mind when they found what the hold up was about.

“Whether it’s bills or change, everybody’s got something to give,” said McBain. “Even if it’s just a smile, we’ll take it.”

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An annual event for local firefighters, this year’s edition saw $8,612 donated towards awareness campaigns and funding for people living with neuromuscular disorders across the country.

McBain said it’s a day they look forward to every year and is glad to see the money helping out people who need it.

“There’s all sorts of charities and firefighters have been working with muscular dystrophy for years,” he said. “And, I just think it’s important, it’s a good tradition to carry on.”

The fundraiser is also a chance for neighbouring fire departments to partner up, with the Redcliff Fire Department and Cypress County Fire both getting involved this year.

McBain said while any chance they get to interact with other departments is a good thing, they especially enjoy getting to work together for a common goal such as the ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign.

“Working with both different municipalities is great,” he said. “It gets the guys together, builds relationships, and gives back to the community.”

Since the partnership began between firefighters and Muscular Dystrophy Canada in 1954, around $1.7 million is raised annually across the country through the ‘Fill the Boot’ initiative.