Firefighters taking part in ‘Fill the Boot’ campaign – Finger Lakes Times

GENEVA In what has become a Labor Day weekend tradition, Geneva firefighters will again take part in the annual Fill the Boot campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

The Geneva firefighters, representing Local #2859 of the International Association of Firefighters, will collect money in boots to help children and adults with muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease) and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.

MDA officials said this years Labor Day weekend and Fill the Boot campaign has special meaning, as MDA is mourning the recent passing of longtime national chairman Jerry Lewis, a stalwart of Labor Day weekend MDA telethons.

Continuing a more than 60-year tradition, Geneva firefighters will hit the streets with boots in hand, asking motorists, pedestrians and other passersby to donate to MDA. They will be on the corner of North and Exchange streets starting at 10 a.m. Friday.

We are thrilled to be working with the Geneva Firefighters IAFF Local #2859 for a Fill the Boot this year to help provide the funds needed to find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility, said Maggie Thomas, executive director of MDA Western New York. The dedication of these firefighters to MDAs mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boots and MDA summer camp to care for the kids and adults in Western New York. We know that their devotion to our families will make this years drive a great success. Last year, the Geneva Fill the Boot netted over $3,100; this year, the firefighters are attempting to exceed this total.

Funds raised through this years event will empower families who inspire everyday Americans to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy and related diseases live longer and grow stronger.

Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and care centers, including the MDA care centers at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and Dent Neurological Center in Buffalo. They also help send more than 70 kids to the best week of the year at MDA summer camp at Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, Monroe County, at no cost to their families.

Read more here:
Firefighters taking part in 'Fill the Boot' campaign - Finger Lakes Times