Milwaukee firefighters raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Association

MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee Fire Department is going beyond the call of duty this week to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The firefighters began a three-day fill-the-boot fundraiser.

Milwaukee Local 215 fire fighters stood at numerous intersections, store fronts and in front of their stations with their boots in hand, collecting money from motorists and pedestrians for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Last year, the Milwaukee Firefighters raised over $113,000 and have raised over $335,000 since 2008. Last year, they also ranked fifth nationally out of all the IAFF departments that participated last year.

All donations will benefit local MDA clients and services like sending children and young adults to MDA Summer Camp in Kenosha County, funding clinic visits at Froedtert and Children’s Hospital clinics, financing wheelchair repairs, and providing vital research for treatments and a cure.

MDA’s Fill-the-Boot program is supported by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and non-union fire departments across North America.

Last year, Wisconsin fire fighters raised $600,000 for MDA.

The tradition began in 1952, when a father in desperate need ran to IAFF member George Graney’s Fire Engine Company 1 in South Boston.  IAFF Local 718 immediately rounded up 20 fire fighters and set in motion a door-to-door canister drive that raised $5,000.

This year's MDA Telethon called "Show of Strength" is coming up September 2nd -- starting at 7:00 p.m. This telethon will air on FOX6!

CLICK HERE for more from the MDA's website.

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