The Flin Flon Fire Department is changing the focus of its annual Boot Drive.
In years past firefighters have collected donations – often to the tune of $9,000 or more – to fight muscular dystrophy (MD).
MD has long been a top charity for many fire departments, but this year Flin Flon Fire Chief Jim Petrie has decided to support two local charities instead: the Lord’s Bounty Food Bank and the Flin Flon, Creighton and Area SPCA.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Petrie.
“We just decided that the local charities need the money. We see a need and we’re here to help out the local people. There is a huge need for it with some of the charities in Flin Flon.”
Set up Friday
This year’s Boot Drive will be set up on Third Avenue, near Flinty’s Boardwalk, from 9 am to 5 pm on Friday.
Staff from the Flin Flon branch of Scotiabank will join the firefighters as the bank has agreed to match the donations – up to $5,000 – for the two local charities.
“It’s just amazing,” said Petrie.
Petrie stressed that motorists passing through the Boot Drive are under no obligation to donate.
“It’s voluntary,” he said. “If you don’t want to give, you don’t have to. You can drive right through. We really don’t expect everyone to give.”
In years past, the fire department has been able to raise $9,000, $10,000 and even $11,000 by collecting cash donations from motorists.
Now the firefighters hope to top those past amounts.
“It’s for some very worthy charities in Flin Flon,” Petrie said.
Petrie says both the SPCA and Lord’s Bounty Food Bank, among other local charities, “aren’t there to make money – they are there to help people.”
