On December 18, the Bloomfield Township Fire Department (BTFD) presented a check to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Stacey Breitlow, Account Manager Fire Fighter Partnerships, was present to accept on behalf of the organization. The check totaled $16,129 and represented the proceeds from the November 22 “Fill The Boot” event.
Ms. Breitlow confirmed the amount raised was good enough to rate 1st in the district and 4th overall in the state of Michigan. She also stated, “I worked with MDA over a decade ago and then had the opportunity to return and focus on Fill the Boot, which I was very excited about.” She also works with both union and non-union departments to raise funds for MDA through the Fill the Boot program, via storefront collecting and special events, such as golf outings.
A staple since 2003, “Fill The Boot” features firefighters and their family members volunteering to solicit donations from residents at various locations such as parking lots and high-traffic intersections. President of the BTFD Charities Chris Hull spoke about the success of the event. “Getting people right before Thanksgiving seems to be the perfect time. They are feeling grateful and giving,” he stated.
In addition to much-needed research, funds donated to MDA help support their Summer Camp program. Young individuals aged 8 to 17, with neuromuscular disease, have the opportunity to attend these overnight camps around the U.S. - at no cost to their families. Michigan’s camp is held at Camp Cavell in Lexington, MI. There are also 6 MDA Care Centers in the state and over 9,000 individuals currently living with neuromuscular disease.
Chris Hull, who has attended a few camps shared, “you hear inspiring stories from these kids and they talk about how these camps help them feel normal.” Learn more about the research and resources, as well as make a donation at MDA.
Attached picture “MDA Fill The Boot 2023” features, Left to Right:
Linda McGrail, Firefighter Joe McGrail, Emma McGrail, Liz Blazo, Ron Nancarrow