VERO BEACH — A firefighter’s pledge to save lives extends beyond routine medical calls for aid, battling blazes and educating fire safety. Dedicating themselves to helping people in another way, Indian River County Firefighters & Paramedics Local 2201 will be busy filling their boots for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Friday and Saturday, February 25 and 26. Throughout these two days firefighters will be out at intersections asking local residents to reach into their wallets and help support the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Jerry’s Kids.
Indian River County motorists can expect to see firefighters at the following intersections: 58th Avenue & Route 60 in Vero Beach; and Roseland Rd & 512 in Sebastian.
For fifty-seven years, members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) have been raising funds to further the research efforts of the MDA. Since their involvement began in 1954, they have raised over $275 million dollars for the MDA.
“The firefighter Fill-the-Boot drive has been a long standing tradition embraced by communities throughout the US,” says Stacy Zedek, MDA Firefighter Coordinator.
With that faith in Indian River County residents, Local 2201 are heading out in efforts to reach their goal of $5,000. This will be the first year Indian River County Firefighters will be out on the streets striving to raise much needed funds for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases.
Each dollar dropped into a firefighter’s boot will go to support local MDA services and programs. Funds are used to send children to the MDA’s week long summer camp; repair durable medical equipment; conduct research for neuromuscular diseases; and provide medical treatment at the MDA clinic at Jupiter Medical Center.
The MDA is a nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. The majority of contributions to the MDA come from individual donors.
