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Nanaimo firefighters trying to give muscular dystrophy the boot

Boot Drive happens at various grocery stores in Nanaimo this weekend, Sept. 18-19
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Lieut. Blair Pinker, left, and firefighters Micah Chesher, Steve Nicks and Jared MacLeod will be out with firefighters collecting donations at various grocery store across Nanaimo to help fund the fight against muscular dystrophy this weekend. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Nanaimo’s firefighters will put their best boots forward to stamp out muscular dystrophy this weekend.

Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18-19, members of the Nanaimo Professional Firefighters IAFF Charitable Society will be in front of grocery stores hoping to fill their boots with donations for the annual Muscular Dystrophy Boot Drive.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of neuromuscular diseases that make the body’s muscles weak and less flexible over time. For the majority of muscular dystrophy patients, their condition can progressively worsen to the point where they lose their ability to walk, talk or care for themselves.

“This is an important charity event to us,” said Jared MacLeod, firefighter and local representative of the department’s muscular dystrophy committee, in a press release. “There are many Canadians who are directly affected by this disease. The money we raise goes towards helping them and their families.”

MacLeod said Nanaimo’s firefighters are eager to host the event in-person this year since they weren’t able to in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Firefighters have been Muscular Dystrophy of Canada’s largest network of supporters since 1954 when MD Canada founder Dr. David Green wanted to raise money to help fund research for his son and other clients impacted by neuromuscular disorders.

The public’s donations help pay for important research and provide essential services, that include treatments, accessibility equipment, bathroom aids, breathing aids, mobility aids, specialized beds and mattresses and lifts, to more than 50,000 Canadians living with muscular dystrophy.

Firefighters will be accepting donations at Save-On-Foods Country Club Centre and Woodgrove stores, Country Grocer stores at Bowen Road and South Parkway Plaza, Real Canadian Superstore and Quality Foods Harewood.



photos@nanaimobulletin.com
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