FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Dec. 2, 2019

Media Contact: Kelsey Bode
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: kelsey@jgpr.net

Gloucester Fire Department’s Fill the Boot Campaign Raises $13,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Research5

GLOUCESTER — Chief Eric Smith and Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken are pleased to share that the Gloucester Fire Department has raised more than $13,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through its annual Fill the Boot Drive.

Gloucester Firefighters have donated $13,031 to support muscular dystrophy research following their participation in the 2019 Fill the Boot campaign, a nationwide donation drive where firefighters reach out to the community in an effort to fill boots with money for the MDA.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common type of muscular dystrophy presents itself in childhood and typically impacts boys, and is a group of diseases that cause a loss of muscle mass. 

“Gloucester firefighters have taken part in the MDA’s Fill the Boot Campaign for decades, and we’re incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received from Mayor Romeo Theken and the City on this initiative,” Chief Smith said. “The MDA is responsible for overseeing life-changing research efforts and providing much needed support to families struggling with MDA, and its always an honor to support their work.”

The fundraiser’s success was the result of a unified effort by Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and her office, as well as the City of Gloucester and the Gloucester Firefighters’ Union. 

“Our Fire Department takes this campaign to heart each year, and as always, it was wonderful to see the city come together to donate towards muscular dystrophy research,” Mayor Romeo Theken said. “Congratulations to the Fire Department on all of your hard work on this campaign.”

About the Fill the Boot Campaign:

MDA’s spirited Fill the Boot campaign is an honored tradition in which thousands of dedicated firefighters hit the streets and storefronts asking pedestrians, motorists, customers and other passersby to make a donation to MDA, using their collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger.

Fill the Boot donations benefit MDA’s shared mission to find research breakthroughs across diseases, care for kids and adults from day one, and empower families with services and support in hometowns across America.

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