Firefighters’ ‘boot drive’ another success Raises $1,782 for MD

While it’s not unusual too see throngs of people lining the streets to watch the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship’s annual parade of boats, hoping to grab their share of goodies thrown by the anglers, it seems some of those same people don’t mind giving back in return.
Firefighter Wayne Riches reported yesterday that the Fort Frances Fire Department and volunteer fire brigade’s annual “boot drive” for muscular dystrophy, held in conjunction with the boat parade, raised $1,782 this year—slightly better than the $1,700 last July.
“Everything went well,” said Riches. “We have to a give a big thanks out the community for their support again this year.
“I think it went well,” he added. “The weather was nice, there was lots of people out—I thought there was more people this year than last year.”
Riches noted about a dozen full-time and volunteer firefighters walked along with the parade, holding out fire boots for donations.
They were joined by “Sparky” the Fire Dog, some family members, as well as this year’s Jr. Miss Fun in the Sun Queen Hailey Clendenning, First Princess and Miss Congeniality Mandy Barker, and Second Princess Sarah Glover-Dittaro.
Thanks to the support of local sponsors, firefighters also gave out gum, Freezies, cheese strings, 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.