As the COVID-19 pandemic affects communities across the United States, it has also impacted in-person fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
For 66 years, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has collected critical funds in the community, one dollar at a time, as part of the ‘Fill the Boot’ program. This summer, the program will launch virtually to address social distancing guidelines for the firefighters and the vulnerable community MDA serves.
IAFF’s ‘Fill the Boot’ virtual program
This summer, IAFF’s ‘Fill the Boot’ program will be conducted virtually with the donations helping meet the urgent need for MDA's Frontline COVID-19 Emergency Fund to continue services for more than 250,000 people living with neuromuscular diseases across the country.
For six decades, IAFF members have been at intersections across America with their fire boots to collect donations for MDA"
"For six decades, IAFF members have been at intersections across America with their fire boots to collect donations for MDA," said the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President, Harold Schaitberger.
IAFF funding and support for MDA
He adds, "But with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing rules enforced make physical collection of donations impossible. However, Virtual Fill the Boot will let our members continue to collect to help MDA meet their vital mission of finding treatment and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and other neuromuscular diseases."
"IAFF members display an unwavering support for MDA year after year, raising critical funds and awareness to help our families get the care they need," said Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President, Lynn O'Connor Vos.
He adds, "We are so thankful to the IAFF for continuing its commitment to cure neuromuscular disease and for the flexibility to go virtual this year through this pandemic, so as to protect everyone on the frontlines in our communities."