The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is commemorating the 70th anniversary of its partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Since 1954, fire fighters across Canada have raised over $103 million to support individuals with neuromuscular disorders through this collaboration.
In 1954, Dr. David Green, a Toronto doctor whose son had a neuromuscular disorder, asked the city’s fire fighters to help raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, a charity he co-founded.
Seventy years later, IAFF affiliates nationwide continue to support this cause through initiatives such as boot drives, rooftop campouts, and other fundraising efforts.
Stacey Lintern, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, stated: “Muscular Dystrophy Canada is extremely proud of the long-standing partnership we have with fire fighters across Canada.
“Their unwavering support has helped purchase life-changing equipment for individuals of all ages, across the country.”
The funds raised by IAFF affiliates have significantly contributed to research and advocacy efforts.
Lintern emphasized: “The funds raised have supported advocacy efforts to raise awareness and make positive policy changes and have contributed to significant investments in research which have now led to access to life-changing treatments.”
A timeline from Muscular Dystrophy Canada highlights several advancements in the past four years, including newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy, the creation of a national clinical trials network, and advancements in gene therapy readiness.
These breakthroughs hold promise for the next generation of treatments for neuromuscular disorders.
Mississauga Local 1212 member Brodie Grant shared his personal experience with these advancements.
His son Ben, diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, has benefited from the research funded by Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Grant said: “The funding Muscular Dystrophy Canada has provided to neuromuscular research has changed our lives infinitely.”
To celebrate this milestone, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is launching the 70th Anniversary National Fire Fighter Challenge this summer.
The challenge seeks 70 new IAFF locals to conduct fundraising initiatives in their communities, with affiliates able to sign up at www.filltheboot.ca through September 8.
Prizes will be awarded to the groups that raise the most funds, with a National Champions trophy for the top group and Provincial Champions awards for the leading group in each province.
Additionally, Canadians can vote for the most creative fundraising idea, with the winning team receiving the People’s Choice award.
Stacey Lintern expressed hope for the new challenge: “Over the years, fire fighters have shown a lot of creativity in raising funds for Canadians affected by neuromuscular disorders.
We’re hoping this challenge is a fun twist on something fire fighters already do such an amazing job at – raising funds to support Canadians.”
For more information on the IAFF’s partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the 70th Anniversary National Fire Fighter Challenge, visit www.filltheboot.ca.
