Filling the boot to end muscular dystrophy: Firefighters holding annual fundraiser through Friday
Published 2:42 pm Wednesday, August 15, 2018
- Austin firefighter Jim Halsey accepts a donation at the intersection of Oakland Avenue East and First Street Northeast during the annual MDA “Fill the Boot” campaign last year. Herald file photo
A familiar sight will be seen at some intersections throughout town as members of the Austin Fire Department will be accepting donations from drivers for the annual “Fill the Boot” Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser.
From 3-7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, firefighters will place themselves at the intersections of Fourth Street and First Drive Northwest, Eighth Avenue and 14th Street Northwest and Oakland Avenue near the Fire Station. The money they raise will go towards muscular dystrophy research and sending children with the disease to a special MDA summer camp.
“It’s a great opportunity to give,” said firefighter/engineer Jim Halsey, who organized the event for the AFD.
The AFD is participating in the event along with other fire departments in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas. The department that raises the most money per union member is awarded the Golden Axe for the year.
The AFD has won the Golden Axe every year since 2009.
“(The MDA) is doing great strides for research in muscular dystrophy,” Halsey said. “Hopefully one day, the kids won’t have to worry about such a terrible disease.”
