Members of the Fort Frances Fire Department and volunteer fire brigade will be conducting another “boot drive” in conjunction with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship’s annual parade of boats, which takes place next Wednesday (July 23).
And once again the money raised will go to fight muscular dystrophy.
The parade of boats, scheduled to get underway at 5 p.m., will run from the old CN station to the big tent at the Sorting Gap Marina via Scott Street and Victoria Avenue.
“This is our seventh year of being involved with this fundraiser,” firefighter Wayne Riches noted yesterday. “Our rescue vehicle and boat will be taking part in the parade and will be decorated much like the other boats.
“It sounds like ‘Sparky’ may attend, as well.
“Volunteers will be escorting the fire department vehicles carrying boots. Our goal is to fill these boots with donations from the community,” Riches added, stressing donations of any amount—even loose change—are welcome.
“We are confident that the community will help us meet our goal of surpassing the $1,700 raised last year,” said Riches. “Together we can win the fight against muscular dystrophy.”
Thanks to the support of local sponsors, firefighters also will be giving out candy, Freezies, helium balloons, stickers, and other goodies during the “boot drive.”
The fundraiser brought in $500 its first year while the most it’s ever raised was $2,000 in 2006. The money goes to fund research for medical breakthroughs and advances.
Last year, Ontario fire departments collectively raised well over $1 million for MD, which has been the chosen charity of fire departments around the world since 1954.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
