In this year’s Fill the Boot campaign, Newton Fire Department Local 863 and Waltham Fire Department Local 866 raised $12,000 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Dion Foundation for Children with Rare Diseases.
In 1954, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) committed to support the MDA until a cure is found. The IAFF now represents more than 340,000 professional firefighters and paramedics protecting more than 85% of the nation’s population. It is MDA’s largest national and top fundraising partner, having raised more than $700 million to date.
Partnering with Dion’s Fine Wines, the Newton and Waltham departments competed to raise the most funds. Newton L863 came in first, raising $5000, while Waltham L866 raised $2,000. Newton L863 donated an additional $5,000 to the Dion Foundation, which raises money and awareness for Limb girdle muscular dystrophy.
Joe Dion of Dion’s Fine Wines, Craft Beers and Spirits said, “The firefighters of Professional Fire Fighters Association Newton Local 863 and Waltham Local 866 have once again gone above and beyond for MDA’s families during this year’s Fill the Boot campaign. We are so grateful for their dedication and for the generosity of those in the community who have helped to raise critical funds for research and care, for both MDA and Dion Foundation for Children with Rare Diseases.”
President and CEO of MDA, Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., said, “Together with the support of the International Association of Fire Fighters helping to accelerate research and advance care, we are empowering the families we serve to live longer, more independent lives. We are extremely grateful to IAFF for maintaining their strong commitment to the Fill the Boot program.”The money raised will go toward research, life-enhancing educational programs, a resource center, and support for multi-disciplinary medical teams at MDA Care Centers across the state and will help send more that 50 local kids to a transformative experience at MDA Summer Camp at no cost to families.