The Fredonia Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2931 is showing its continued support for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as its members kick off the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign to raise critical funds to help transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

Continuing a 65-year tradition of giving strength to the MDA community, dedicated fire fighters from Fredonia Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2931 will hit the streets with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists, and other passersby to donate to MDA on Friday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Fredonia Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2931 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 Development Specialist Heather Powers. “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 Fredonia. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success.”

Funds raised through the Fredonia Fill the Boot event in 2019 will help the MDA save lives and lift those up in need, by providing the MDA with vital resources to advance their mission of driving innovations in science and care for the neuromuscular community. Contributions have helped fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at University of Buffalo Medical/Conventus Building and Dent Neurologic Institute, both located in Buffalo, New York.

They also help send more than 60 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at Rotary Sunshine Campus in Rush, New York– all at no cost to their families.

In addition to Fill the Boot drives, fire fighter contributions from year-round local events, including a travelling Boot at the Music by the Water, help support MDA’s efforts to raise awareness and provide professional and public education about neuromuscular diseases.

The partnership between the IAFF and MDA began in 1954 when the organization committed by proclamation to support MDA until a cure is found, and the organization’s unwavering commitment to MDA has remained strong to this day. As MDA’s largest national partner, they have raised more than $650 million for the MDA to date. Today the IAFF/MDA partnership is finding new ways to save lives by working to expand newborn screenings in the U.S. with Pompe disease or Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), so that they can be immediately eligible for lifesaving and life changing therapies.