St. Paul firefighters holding a boot drive toll for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Following a two-year hiatus, St. Paul firefighters will once again be doing a boot drive for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).

For an incredible 65 years, firefighters across Canada have helped Fill the Boot. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, firefighters had to cancel their fundraising efforts for two years, but the needs of people impacted by neuromuscular disorders can’t be cancelled. MDC still needs to provide critical services and programs to our clients.

Firefighters from St. Paul and MDC want to keep the tradition of helping to Fill the Boot going. Because of COVID, firefighters couldn’t physically be out in their communities asking people to help, and last year’s event was a virtual Fill the Boot campaign.

“For more than 67 years, firefighters across Canada have been partners and supporters of Muscular Dystrophy Canada and Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders,” St. Paul Fire Chief Trevor J. Kotowich said. “Every Easter long weekend, St. Paul Firefighters set up a voluntary toll on either end of Town for the motoring public to donate to this worthwhile cause between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 16. Because of COVID, the last two years we have not been able to assist Muscular Dystrophy Canada, but unfortunately, people are still suffering from this horrible debilitating disease.”

The Fire Chief in St. Paul would like to remind motorists that the toll is voluntary.

“Any change or paper money is gladly accepted in one of our boots,” Kotowich said. “Our firefighters are donating their time to help out this worthwhile cause.”

Since 1972, the St. Paul Fire Department has raised $150,600 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

“Firefighters have supported MDC since its inception in 1954,” said Stacey Lintern, Interim CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “We are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication to our cause and our clients.”

MDC’s mission is to enhance the lives of those impacted with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research. To learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada, please visit www.muscle.ca or call our toll-free number at 1-800-567-2873.