OLDS — The Olds Firefighter Association’s effort to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada is nearing the end of its month-long campaign.
The association’s virtual fill the boot campaign has been raising money for that cause throughout the month of May. The goal is to raise $10,000. As of May 18, $1,100 had been raised.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a collection of rare inherited conditions that cause muscles to weaken and break down over time. As a result, victims can lose the ability to walk and may eventually need a wheelchair to get around.
There’s no known cure for MD, but some treatments can help patients cope with it to some degree.
The fire department’s original plan had been to have a firefighter camp out on top of the fire hall roof for the month as part of the campaign. But that was nixed.
"With COVID we felt it wasn’t the best message to send to the community where many people are facing tough situations isolating,” Fire Chief Justin Andrew wrote in an email.
So instead, a mannequin named Rescue Randy was set up on the fire hall roof braving the elements, complete with a tent for shelter. Randy and the tent were taken off the roof on May 18, as a thunderstorm rolled through.
“Muscular dystrophy has been a charity near and dear to the Olds firefighters’ hearts as retired chief Leonard Brandson’s wife Margaret was diagnosed with this illness and passed away as a result several years ago,” Andrew wrote.
“When a disease such as the broad spectrum of neuromuscular disorders affects a person it is critical for an organization such as MD to provide support and research to minimize and potentially eliminate the burden one day.”
During the last year-and-a-half or so, COVID-10 restrictions have made it very difficult for charities to raise money. Andrew said as a result, the fire department was anxious to find a way to help; thus the rooftop campaign.
“The intent is that Randy will stay on the roof of the month of May and we hope that he won’t get too bored. But as long as we don’t have to feed him or hear him complain he will stand his post with a wave,” Andrew wrote.
Donations can be made online at https://muscle.akaraisin.com/ui/filltheboot2021/t/OldsFire or scan the QR code.
Also, according to the fire department’s Facebook page, for each Popper burger sold, Grouchy Daddy’s will donate one dollar to the cause.
