The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) is showing its support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.
Continuing a more than 60-year tradition, dozens of dedicated local fire fighters from Albany Local 2007, Saratoga Springs Local 343, Watervliet Local 590, Green Island Local 3418 and Troy Local 86 will hit the streets or storefronts with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA in August and September.
A news conference to launch the boot drive and announce the dates will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11, in front of NYSPFFA headquarters at 174 Washington Ave., Albany.
The spirited tradition of the Fill the Boot program is a collaboration between the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). In its first year in 1954, firefighters in Boston raised $5,000 for MDA. Last year, more than $24 million was raised by fire fighters at more than 1,600 Fill the Boot events making the IAFF MDA’s biggest contributor. NYSPFFA members across New York raised more than $318,000 in 2016.
“We are thrilled to be working with MDA for another year of Fill the Boot 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 Sam Fresina, NYSPFFA President.
“The dedication of these fire fighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in New York State. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success,” said Laura Searle, Executive Director of MDA.
Funds raised through Fill the Boot events in 2017 empower families who inspire everyday Americans to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger, displaying how we all can truly live unlimited no matter what limits we may face.
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 Center at Albany Medical Center. They also help send local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp – all at no cost to their families.
About the IAFF
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 300,000 professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect 85 percent of the nation’s population. More than 3,200 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada.
About MDA
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America.
Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.