MANITOUWADGE -- If you see firefighters out in full gear, holding out boots and buckets, begging for your money next Tuesday, don’t worry, they’re not strapped for cash, they’re helping to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy, a cause they have supported since 1971.
For more than 67 years, firefighters across Canada have been enduring partners and supporters of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC). They have made a difference in the lives of countless Canadian families affected by this and other neuromuscular diseases. Muscular dystrophy (MD), a group of diseases which interfere with the production of proteins needed to form healthy muscle, can cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. There are many kinds of MD; the most common variety’s symptoms usually begin in childhood, but some types don't surface until adulthood.
There is no cure for this devastating condition, but medications and therapy can help manage symptoms and slow the course of the disease. With generous donations from fellow Canadians, the nation’s firefighters help to purchase wheelchairs, hospital beds, leg braces, walkers, respirators, and other life-changing equipment. They support advocacy efforts to raise awareness and make positive policy changes, and help fund research that is helping Canadians live longer.
From 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, the Manitouwadge Fire Department invites you to donate cash at their ‘Drive-through’ donation event at the Manitouwadge traffic circle. Give what you can; there is no set goal as to how much they’d like to raise, but hope that the community will be as generous as they have always been in past campaigns.
You can also find Chief Don Kruger and his team at the Common Registration event in the Rec Centre auditorium that evening. If you are unable to be in attendance at the local drive, you can always donate through the Muscular Dystrophy Firefighter’s ‘Fill the Boot’ webpage.
Help the Manitouwadge Firefighters and their colleagues across Canada put smiles on the faces of thousands of children, hope in the hearts of parents, and trust in the minds of donors, as they are an awesome example of dedication and service to our community.