Charities and Fundraising

Firefighter's Raise Money for MDA

The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is one of the largest sponsors of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Each year over 265,000 members of the IAFF from the United States and Canada participate in an annual campaign (Fill The Boot) to raise money for MDA's continuing effort in the fight against 40 neuromuscular diseases. Muscular Dystrophy is a disease that effects thousands of patients, many of whom are children.

As one of MDA's more successful campaigns, Fill The Boot allows Firefighters to greet motorists and shoppers in their communities and solicit donations face to face. Since 1954, the IAFF has raised over 200 million dollars and last year presented a record breaking $18 Million check at the annual Labor Day Telethon. The funds we help raise not only go towards research for MD, they also help fund Special programs such as MDA's summer camp for children as well as public health education.

The North Greece Professional Firefighters (Local 3827) and the Lakeshore Professional Firefighters (Local 3981) set up the annual “fill the boot” for “Jerry’s Kids” on June 14, 2007.  The paid staff and volunteers joined forces to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy at the corner of Latta and Long Pond Roads from 7 AM until 4 PM.  The firefighters were able to raise $9826.50 thanks to the unselfish and caring motorists that passed by the intersection.  It is great to see so many people showed their kindness and generosity to help raise money for a good cause and assisted us in giving back to our community.

Traffic speeds were reduced to keep us all safe thanks to the fire police loaning us a whole lot of traffic cones.  Adding in safety vests, special signage from MDA and some safe practices out in the streets there were no injuries or accidents throughout the event.  Weather was nice and sunny, warm but not too hot.  A great way to get your daily exercise in with a free suntan. 

Please think about supporting the MDA Boot Drive Sponsors.   Breakfast started with the support of Dunkin Donuts with coffee and 2 dozen donunts, Bruegers Bagels gave us more coffee and bagels with cream cheese to get us jump started.  McDonalds Long Pond donated 2 cases of water, Ricci’s Imports supplied lunch with a variety of delicious sub sandwiches to keep our energy up.  Ricci’s Family Restaurant brought over several sheet pizza’s between lunch and dinner time to keep us going throughout the afternoon.  The Mobile Station usually supports us with vehicle parking and home base but was unable to reach out like they had in the past due to construction and upgrades to their pumps.  Additional refreshments of gator-aid help keep us hydrated.

NORTH GREECE PROFESSIONAL
FIRERIGHTER'S SCHOLARSHIP

In 2004, the North Greece Professional Firefighters created a collage scholarship in the amount of $500 for one high school senior attending classes within the Greece or Hilton School Districts. The candidates are simply asked to write an essay describing their future ambitions and goals. A committee formed from members of our local 3827 chooses a winner each year and presents them a check at our annual fund raising event.

The Scholarship was awarded to Brian Uhrmacker in June 2007