The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jim Petrie has lived in Flin Flon long enough to know that residents won't hesitate to open their hearts Ñ and their pocketbooks Ñ to people in need. But on Friday, the fire chief couldn't help but be amazed at the success of the Flin Flon Fire Department's Eighth Annual Boot Drive for the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada. The fundraiser, held on Third Avenue near KFC, brought in a grand total of $5,882, making it the firefighters' most successful boot drive ever. "I'm surprised at the generosity of the citizens of Flin Flon. I shouldn't be, but I am," commented Petrie. "Nearly $6,000 is a lot of money to be collected in eight hours. I'd really like to thank the citizens of Flin Flon for their donations and fantastic support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association." Hundreds of motorists passed through the fundraising location, with volunteers using boots to collect all of the donated coins and bills. "We had people donating everything from pennies all the way up to $20 bills," said Petrie. A number of firefighters, as well as a member of their spouses' group, the Firebelles, were on hand to collect the money. Sparky the Fire Dog, the mascot of the fire department, made an appearance, bringing smiles to plenty of young passengers. "The children always love to see Sparky," commented Petrie. "Sparky is a hit wherever Sparky goes." Sparky and the other volunteers thanked the donators with words as well as balloons and stickers. Whether on their way to work, lunch or school, numerous motorists passed through the boot drive location several times, and many of them dug into their pockets on more than one occasion. See 'Donated' P.# Con't from P.# "There were numerous individuals who donated more than once," said Petrie. "I'd like to thank one of the taxi drivers, because every time he came through, he donated. It seems like all of his tips went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association." All of the money collected was taken to Scotiabank, where staff helped out by counting the cash, a process that took hours. Also lending a hand was local businessman Howard Fox, who donated ice cream, milk and donuts to the firefighters manning the fundraiser. "Some of us were out there for the entire eight hours without a break," commented Petrie. "Without his donuts, we would have starved." All of the money raised will go directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada, which helps care for two clients in Flin Flon. Petrie noted that the non-profit organization funnels more money into Flin Flon than is raised through the boot drive. The fire department has now collected $40,628 for the charity since the boot drive began in 1996. Petrie noted that nearly all fire departments across Canada hold fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
