Lethbridge firefighters raise over $17,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

Firefighter-paramedic and the head of the association, Andrew Houthuys said their goal this year was to raise $10,000 but that number was smashed thanks to the tremendous support from the community.

The donation total came out to $17,630.

“We will be writing a cheque to Muscular Dystrophy (Canada) and the money that they receive from us will go towards research,” he said.

“People that have muscular dystrophy, they would need a wheelchair or making their house more accessible because they’re not as mobile as they once were, so (money raised will) just help them out with equipment and lifestyle changes.”

Houthuys said the campout was a good experience and the weather cooperated. A boot was set up outside the pub, where people could drop off monetary donations.

There was also a barbecue and pancake breakfast as part of the fundraising event.

“We were quite shocked that people would just drive by for the sole purpose of putting money in the boot. It was great to have lots of people come out for the barbecue and pancake breakfast,” Houthuys said, adding that the fire department has been helping Muscular Dystrophy Canada for many decades.

He said that one of the department’s members’ wife was recently diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which Houthuys said served as inspiration.

FUTURE CHARITABLE EVENTS

Houthuys said each year, the association releases a calendar featuring members of the emergency service. However, last year’s calendar release was a two-year layout, which means the association has other charitable plans for 2019.

“This year, we’re going to try to change it up and maybe this summer do a car wash. Around Halloween, we’re looking to do a haunted house,” he said.

Houthuys explained that some of the charities the association supports every year include the Alberta Fire Fighters Burn Camp, Diabetes Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Those are the ones we give to every year but then we like to try to divvy it up to our local charitable organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters. I think last year, we gave to over 26 different organizations,” he said.

“The Legacy Lodge, they are a PTSD group for first responders, we give them money (as well).”

Houthuys said each September, firefighters take part in the stair climb at the Lethbridge Centre.

“It’s kind of like a step-a-thon. We go out and get sponsors and then we climb Lethbridge (Melcor) Centre. We do it 11 times and that’s the same (number) of floors as the World Trade Centre, so it’s kind of like a nine-eleven memorial tribute and the money from that goes towards Legacy Lodge.”

by Justin Goulet (@JustinGoulet21)

Lethbridge firefighters raise over $17,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

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