Fill the Boot campaign under way for MDA

Published 10:25 am Monday, June 23, 2014

Albert Lea firefighters will walk in the annual Third of July Parade next month for their Fill the Boot fundraising campaign for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

All money donated will provide medical treatment and support services to people living with neuromuscular diseases in the area.

Last year, the department raised $2,032 for the effort, according to a news release.

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The department is one of numerous others across the country to take part in the fundraiser.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, a health agency that works in communities to help children and adults affected by neuromuscular diseases, has partnered with the International Association of Firefighters since 1954 for the fundraiser.

Funds are used to support some of the 250 worldwide research projects seeking better treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, giving hope to the more than 3,200 families affected by the disease living in Minnesota, western Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to a news release.

The International Association of Firefighters has raised millions of dollars nationwide.