Firefighters from the Rock Island International Association of Firefighters Local 26 will hit city streets this weekend with boots in hand asking pedestrians, motorists and other passersby to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association for the annual Fill the Boot fundraising campaign.
Rock Island firefighters will be at the intersection of 18th Avenue and 30th Street from 3-6 p.m., today, Oct. 13; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, and Sunday, Oct. 15.
Rock Island firefighters have raised more than $15,000 for MDA in 2022, according to a news release from the City of Rock Island. Since 2011, a total of $151,700 has been raised.
These funds help the MDA support 14,400 individuals living with Muscular Dystrophy in Iowa and Illinois; MDA summer camp and recreational programs in Monticello, Iowa, and Hudson, Illinois; more than 4,000 clinic visits to 10 MDA care centers in Iowa and Illinois; and have provided $2 million toward research in Iowa and Illinois, the release states.
Justin Welvaert, a Rock Island firefighter and executive trustee with Local 26, became the MDA event coordinator in 2011. In the release, he said he has seen the fundraiser’s impact firsthand on children with muscular dystrophy.
“Our union members are given the opportunity to attend MDA summer camp on VIP day
each year,” Mr. Welvaert said. “Getting to see children from our community experience summer camp was eye-opening and heartwarming. These children who have challenges with everyday life get to experience what other children enjoy daily while making new friends.”
