Two IAFF Locals and two individual members were recently honoured by Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) for their efforts to make a difference for people living with neuromuscular disorders and their families.
London ON Local 142
At the charity’s annual Awards Banquet Nov. 22 in Toronto, London ON Local 142 was given the Dr. David Green Impact Award, among MDC’s most prestigious honours, in recognition of its “unwavering, 58-year commitment” to supporting MDC and its mission.
Through annual boot drives, rooftop campouts, ladder climbs, and countless community events, London fire fighters have raised over $1 million in support of individuals and families affected by neuromuscular disorders. Last year, 80 Local 142 members and their families raised $29,000 through their boot drive alone.
“Their legacy is one of heart, excellence and enduring leadership,” said MDC CEO Stacey Lintern, who also recognized the longtime leadership of Local 142 member Greg Knight.
Named for a founding member of the organization, the Dr. David Green Impact Award recognizes “extraordinary leaders, champions, and organizations who have made a profound and lasting impact on the neuromuscular community,” according to MDC.
St. Albert AB Local 2130
St. Albert AB Local 2130 was awarded a National Dr. David Green Award as Fire Department of the Year for an outstanding fundraising effort in 2024. The Local, which has been supporting MDC since 1971, conducted four boot drives, a waiter night at a local restaurant, a rooftop campout, a pub night and other events. As a result, they blew past their $15,000 goal and raised $50,000 for the charity.
“The award from MDC was a tremendous honour,” Local 2130 President Greg Harvey said. “St. Albert fire fighters have always been proud to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada and its mission.”
The St. Albert fire fighters also mentored and equipped another fire department, helping them successfully hold their first-ever rooftop campout fundraiser.
“Their generosity, leadership and commitment reflect the true spirit of fire fighters lifting others up, both within the fire service and across the neuromuscular community,” Lintern said.
Richmond Hill ON Local 1957
Richmond Hill ON Local 1957 Secretary-Treasurer Brett Short and Local member Eric Muldoon were recognized by MDC as Fire Fighter of the Year for their dedication and vision and for being the “driving force” behind significant growth in fundraising activities, which included spring and fall boot drives in 2024.
Their generosity, leadership and commitment reflect the true spirit of fire fighters lifting others up, both within the fire service and across the neuromuscular community.
muscular dystrophy canada ceo stacey lintern
The pair was also recognized for excellence in volunteer coordination, permit management, community outreach, engaging politicians and other community members including retired fire fighters and families living with neuromuscular disorders. Short and Muldoon also played a critical role in hosting the Ontario Trillium Recognition Community Event, which supported essential grant funding for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
“The respect they have earned from their peers, union leadership and community is a powerful testament to the meaningful and lasting impact of their service,” Lintern said.
New MDC fire fighter webpage launched
In September, Muscular Dystrophy Canada launched a new fire fighters webpage that details the history of fire fighter fundraising and support for the organization and its impact on the neuromuscular community.
The site also recognizes fundraising achievements by IAFF locals and others in the fire service, and provides encouragement and tools that fire fighters and fire service organizations can use to launch fundraising initiatives for MDC.
Affiliates can also request assistance from MDC with fundraising initiatives by emailing [email protected].
