Sixty Surrey fire fighters tapped into a generous public and collected $25,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) this year, bringing the Local’s lifetime donations to the charity to $266,000.
The effort earned the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society the 2026 Dr. David Green Award for Fire Department of the Year, which recognizes its fundraising and longstanding support for the charity.
The award, named for MDC co-founder Dr. David Green, will be presented to the Local at a ceremony in Ottawa in November.
Surrey Local 1271 President Mike Vincent said he was honoured that the Local’s Charitable Society has been recognized with award.
“It hits home with our members,” he said. “They bring out their families and their kids and they engage the community. It’s not easy asking for money with the way inflation is these days, but once people see you’re a fire fighter, they’re just glad to come by and drop off a donation.”
Every year, typically on a long weekend, Surrey fire fighters volunteer with Local 1271’s Charitable Society fan out across 20 locations throughout the city to conduct boot tolls at busy commercial locations.
John Watkins, a Local 1271 member and member of the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society, said receiving the Dr. David Green Award was an honour.
“We do this work in the community because we made a commitment to help others when we signed up for this job,” he said. “This award is really a testament to the commitment of our members.”
The Dr. David Green Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication, compassion, leadership, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders.
Green, who co-founded MDC in 1954 with Arthur Minden, was a respected neurologist, researcher, and passionate advocate for the neuromuscular community. Throughout his career, he championed improved care, research, awareness, and inclusion for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
This award is really a testament to the commitment of our members.
Surrey firefighters charitable society member john watkins
Stacey Lintern, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, said Surrey fire fighters “lead by example,” noting that, in addition to their fundraising efforts, they have also encouraged other British Columbia IAFF affiliates to support the charity.
“We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in breaking down barriers for people living with neuromuscular disorders, helping expand access to support, strengthen community connections and advance research as we continue the search for cures,” Lintern said.
6th District Vice President Mike Carter congratulated Surrey fire fighters on the award.
“The recognition of our Surrey members with the Dr. David Green Award is a tremendous honour and a reflection of their commitment, generosity, and the difference IAFF members can make in their communities,” Carter said. “It’s also a powerful example of the strength of our partnership with MDC and what we can accomplish together across the country.”
In addition to supporting MDC, the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society delivers food to approximately 75 schools, awards student bursaries and has provided around 400 refurbished laptop computers to local students.
Last year, IAFF affiliates raised $1.1 million for MDC through boot tolls, rooftop campouts and other community initiatives.
Affiliates interested in fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy Canada can visit www.filltheboot.ca for information and to register their initiatives.
