The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada is working to combat
100 nueromuscular disorders. They are committed to funding leading research to find the causes,
treatments, prevention, and cures for each of the disorders. Until a cure is found, they will continue to provide
information, vital services, and hope to tens of thousands of Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders.
In the year 2004, Firefighters across North America will celebrate 50 years of involvement with Muscular Dystrophy.
The Stratford Fire Department has been involved in fundraising events to support the goals and objectives
of the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1961 and have to date contributed more than $140,000.00.
Stratford firefighters currently run 4 different fundraising events.
- Helmet Toll - Voluntary toll at Canadian Tire and Zehrs. This has been our most
successful fundraiser.
- Shamrocks - Paper shamrock cutouts are provided to local bar and restaurant establishments for the purpose
of selling them to their customers. "Give A Buck for Luck".
- Highschool Recreational Hockey Matches - Highschools currently participating are:
Stratford Northwestern, Central, and St. Michael's.
- Golf Tournament - Hosted by the Stratford Professional Firefighters Association
and held at the Mitchell Golf and Country Club. Approximately 140 golfers participate in this
event every year.
In 2003, Stratford Firefighters raised more funds than in any previous year, a total of $12,585.
As a result, the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada recognized their accomplishments by
awarding them the "Going The Extra Mile" award in appreciation of their dedication and
commitment.
In 2005, Stratford Firefighters were presented with the Muscular Dystrophy of Canada's provincial
Fire Department of the Year award.
Volunteer Projects Past and Present
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Helmet Drive
- Shamrocks
- Fireman’s Ball proceeds also to Cancer, Arthritis & Rheumatism Society
- Door to Door Campaign
- Golf Tournament
- Bingo
- Cheque presentations at the Telethon
- BBQ at Crabby Joe’s
- Concert in support of London, England Firefighters during WW2
- Torch Parade; and making of the torches
- Sparky’s Fun Day
- Hypnotic Show - Christmas Basket Fund - also delivery of the baskets
- Parades; driving trucks, walking and floats
- Career Day (Coliseum, and at the schools)
- Class room talks and demonstrations
- Basketball and floor hockey games at the High Schools
- War Canoe Races (boat)
- Chili Cook-off for Heart & Stroke
- Bowling for Big Brothers
- Fashion Show for S.A.A.C.L.
- Christmas Tree Burning
- Rink at the Central flats and then near the Festival Theatre, Agricultural Grounds
- Salvation Army Kettle
- Salvation Army Toy Drive
- Dragon Boat Races
- Taco Eating Contest
- Spaghetti Eating Contest
- Osum Conference
- Bed Races for Stratford Mobility Bus
- Demolition Derby (Fall Fair)
- Fire Prevention Demonstrations and Displays at Malls
- Fireworks displays
- Water Ball Contest
- Open House and BBQ at the Fire Hall
- Habitat for Humanity
- Terry Fox Run (Truck and Sparky)
- Fire Truck Rides for Championship Teams
- Winterfest
- Green Week
- Civic Beautification - Mothers Day BBQ
- Riverlights Project
- Bath Tub Races (Boat)
- Hop-a-thon with the Nursery Schools
- Helping kids at the Arena with skating or at the "Y" swimming
- Extinguisher Demos (Boy Scouts)
- M&M Meats BBQ for Crohns and Colitis
- Tim Horton’s - Camp Day
- Bike Ride for Heart
- 2000 Calendar - proceeds to Stratford General Hospital for E.C.G. machine and for the Heart and Stroke Foundation
- Hockey games between the Firefighters and the Police
- Bird feeders in the Old Grove
- Donated playground equipment for playgrounds
- 911 Booklets
- Sponsor minor sports teams
- Car Wash with Perth County Paramedics in support of New York City Firefighters & EMS
- Fire Fighters Combat Challenge - since 2002, firefighters have gone to meets in Windsor, Ottawa and Brampton
- Toys at Christmas for kids in the pediatric ward of the Stratford General Hospital
- House of Blessing
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