NEWS RELEASE
Local Fire Fighter Riding High for Muscular Dystrophy Canada
(Thursday, June 22, 2006, Cole Harbour, NS) – Climbing up 100-foot ladders to rescue people from burning buildings is a typical task for many fire fighters. However, one brave fire fighter from the Westphal-Cole Harbour Firefighters Association (WCHFFA) is about to embark upon an even more daunting task by sitting in that ladder’s bucket for two days in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC).
On June 23, at 12:00 pm, Donny Cyr will begin his assent to the top of that very ladder which is used to save lives. Yet this time the ladder will be used as a tool to raise funds to help those living with neuromuscular disorders in Halifax Regional Municipality. This courageous fire fighter has volunteered to help fight neuromuscular disorders by riding high in the ladder bucket for 50 hours.
This weekend celebrates the 17th anniversary of the Annual Don Crook Memorial Ladder-a-thon that is being held at the Sobeys parking lot of the Forest Hills Shopping Centre. While Donny sits in the air from 12:00 pm Friday to 2:00 pm Sunday, other members of the WCHFFA will be collecting donations from the public through their boot tolls and BBQ sales. Last year the fire fighters raised over $20,000 during the weekend.
Since 1954, Canadian fire fighters have been helping MDC provide essential services to families affected by neuromuscular disorders. Their funding goes towards providing essential mobility equipment, information, support, advocacy and research.
The WCHFFA is one of our biggest supporters of MDC Atlantic Region. Since joining the fight against neuromuscular disorders in 1983, WCHFFA has raised over $439,700. $277,000 has come directly from the annual Don Crook Ladder-a-Thon. They are a dedicated group of fire fighters that initiate, organize and execute various fundraising activities throughout the year.
Starting at 8:30 am on Sunday, the WCHFFA will be putting on a Muster (fire truck display) to celebrate the end of another successful event and to congratulate Donny for his 50 hours in the sky. A variety of activities will be featured including competitions, chances for individuals to try their hand at putting out a fire, and a fire truck parade to mark the finale. Sparky, the Dalmatian, will also be making an appearance.
Help us make muscles move!
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For more information please contact:
Ken Thompson
Executive Director-Atlantic Region
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
Bus: 902.429.6322 ext. 226
Cell: 902.497.8433
Jeanette MacKay
Public Relations Co-ordinator
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency
902.490.6530
