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.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Fire Chief Jim Petrie is nearly at a loss for words as another Boot Drive for Muscular Dystrophy record lay in tatters. The fundraiser, held by the Flin Flon Firefighters Association last week, brought in $10,606, the most in its 16-year history. "It's unbelievable, the generosity of the people of Flin Flon," said Petrie. "The people of Flin Flon are the ones who set this record. We are just the facilitators of the Boot Drive for Muscular Dystrophy, but it's the people of Flin Flon that actually raised this money. And I have a feeling that if we put this into a per-capita basis that we'd be above any other town or city in Manitoba for the amount of money raised." This year's total bests the previous record of $9.190, a mark set last year. The fundraiser ran from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. last Friday, Sept. 2, at its usual spot, an informal checkstop on Third Ave. near KFC. Drop coins Petrie said "just about everybody" who drove through rolled down their windows to drop coins and bills into a boot extended by a firefighter. "We had people going through two or three times on purpose and throwing money in each time, laughing," he added. "It was a really good day." At least one person gave a $100 bill, and another donated a $50. Some U.S. currency even appeared in the boot, suggesting tourists were in as giving a mood as locals. Putting smiles on the faces of passersby was the fire department's mascot, Sparky the Fire Dog, who made an appearance to help greet and thank the benevolent motorists. About 15 firefighters volunteered their time to stand in the middle of the road to offer drivers the chance to donate. The firefighters received help from Scotiabank, whose staff volunteered to count all of the bills and loose change accumulated. All proceeds go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which Petrie noted helps local residents living with the disorder. Firefighters across North America have a long and proud history of raising funds to battle muscular dystrophy, which involves muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. More than 50,000 Canadians are affected by neuromuscular disorders, according to the online Canada Charity Guide.
