It's that time of year again.
Over the Easter weekend, firefighters from across Pictou County will be asking for your donations as they attempt to raise funds in support of individuals with muscular dystrophy.
The Easter MD Boot Drive, now in its thirteenth year, is a nation-wide fundraiser in which firefighters literally ask community members to "fill their boots" with financial donations. Today and Saturday, firefighters will be setting up at several locations throughout Pictou County for the annual Boot Drive.
Last year, county firefighters managed to raise more than $12,000 for the cause.
"We were certainly pleased with the amount we raised last year, thanks to the generous support of the general public," says Russell Mosher, fire chief with the New Glasgow Fire Department. "Of course, we'd like to raise even more money this year."
Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of muscle disorders that are characterized by the progressive weakening of the muscles. Muscular Dystrophy Canada, a national volunteer agency, has been funding research and striving to improve the quality of life for those who suffer with neuromuscular disorders since 1954.
"It's a worthwhile cause, and hopefully some day we'll see improvements for persons with muscular dystrophy," Mosher says.
Sid Lockhart, chief of the Alma Fire Department, meanwhile, says he's always impressed with the willingness of members of the community to open their hearts, as well as their wallets, in support of the cause.
"In the past, there have been people who've donated $5, $10 or even $20," he says. "People are very generous."
Today
4-10 p.m.
NSLC Pictou - Pictou FD
Sobeys Pictou -
Caribou District FD
NSLC Westville - Westville FD
NSLC Stellarton - Stellarton FD
NSLC New Glasgow -
Linacy FD
NSLC New Glasgow (West Side) - New Glasgow FD
Former River John Valufoods site - River John FD
Saturday, March 22
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sobeys, New Glasgow (Aberdeen) - East River St. Marys, Barneys River and Little Harbour fire departments, Neenah Paper Emergency Response Team
Sobeys, New Glasgow (West Side) - Pictou Landing FD, Michelin Emergency Response Team, Abercrombie FD, Pictou Landing Reserve FD
Sobeys, Stellarton - Plymouth FD, Eureka FD
Central Home Improvement Warehouse, New Glasgow - East River Valley FD, Merigomish FD
A&M Small Engines, Lyon's Brook - Scotsburn FD
Crossroads Country Market, Thorburn - Thorburn FD, Blue Mountain FD
Atlantic Superstore - West River FD, Alma FD
Its time to help give MD the boot
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- Published on March 20th, 2008
- Published on December 29th, 2009
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Cait MacIntyre
- Number of views : 985
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Comments
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- JerryMacLellan
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:31:20
FreshAirPlz-did you just say to a Fire Fighter I knew you weren't man enough to apologize? I am sure he's man enough to run into a burning building and rescue you in a fire!!! Or use the jaws of life to free you from a car!
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- Pictou Co. FF
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:29:50
In reference to huh? really?,
Trenton firefighters will be at the NSLC in Trenton on Saturday, as they have been for many years, being heavily involved in MD fundraising from the very beginning. I hope you will support them!
Therefore, no controversy, just a slight omission on the printed schedule.
BTW, kudos and thanks to The News and all other media in Pictou County for getting the word out on the Boot Drive. It is a team effort and local media are a huge part of it! It is appreciated! -
- Rebecca
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:28:14
Fire Fighters have been heroes to families affected by a neuromuscular disorder since 1954. Without their generous support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the services for families, research for a cure and help with the purchase of essential mobility equipment couldn't be accomplished.
Thank you to the wonderful Fire Fighters and the generous community that fills their boots each Easter!!! -
- Pictou Co. Firefighter/
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:25:06
In relation to the concerns about exhaust fumes and safety at the Boot Drives this weekend, I am certain we can find a way to pass the word about this issue. As someone involved with organizing the MD Boot Drive, I can say that the trucks are there mainly to heighten awareness that the Boot Drive is on, and in many cases, the trucks need to run to keep batteries charged in order to be able to respond to emergencies, as happened in several cases last year.
Our goal is to raise money for individuals with neuromuscular disorders, not to put anyone or the environment at risk, and we do respect the right of members of the public to voice their concerns, without negative reactions. If we don't know about problems, we can't do anything to fix them. I can also assure you that, with the price of gasoline, most depts. won't be running their trucks anymore than necessary, particularly this year.
Thanks to everyone who supports our MD fundraising in any way. We appreciate it! -
- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:19:06
Thank you to K.B. for re-posting my comments. I urge the public to support this worthy cause and donate to this charity. The comments of the two firefighters (Frank from ShaddyTown & Firefighter from Pictou County) is not to be taken as a reflection of attitude of all the firefighters who donate their time and efforts to raise funds for a great charity.
(Note: Just one of the fellas from town from NS, you did not call me the moron, the two mentioned above did, personally I don't like the smell of diesel fumes but hey if you do, fill your boots) -
- Amy
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:19:05
Wow-I can't believe how negative things got on a story that is about helping people and about Fire Fighters doing something so fabulous to help other people....
It is unfortunate FreshAirPlz that you had an issue with a fire truck before-maybe a much more production action for your concern on this matter would have been a phone call to the fire department asking them to pass along your concern of trucks running infront of the stores-not a snotty comment to a media blitz to notify the public about the event this weekend..... Really too bad people don't think beofre they type just for the sake of typing!!!! -
- Jean
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:06:01
I would like to congratulate all the Fire Fighters for the wonderful effort they make on behalf of all of us . They are truly one of a kind when they dedicate themselves to whatever they are called to do. The Boot drive for Muscular Dystrophy is very special to my heart because I have a grandson with this disease and his dad is a Fire Fighter in this area and I know how much work and dedication he gives to this cause.
It would seem to me that there is always someone that likes to stir the pot when good things like this are about to happen, but wouldn't it be far better to handle this problem more mature and get on with the wonderful work that is being done for our people who need help with this disease. Hats off to the Fire Fighters !!! -
- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:03:51
firefighter from pictou county I suggest you take a drive to the grave plot at the cemetary by the Aberdeen hospital, take a drive to the top by the motel and go to the grave site on the right where you will find a grave for a volunteer firefighter who died in an explosion/fire. He is someone I cared about a great deal and I admired him for the work he did and the many times he put his life on the line as a volunteer firefighter. How dare you put me in that 1%!!!!!! You could not be more wrong about me. I personally know the amount of time and effort firefighters put into their training and job and admire them for it. Firefighters put their lives on the line for each call they go out on. You owe me an apology.
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- Bernie
- - January 18th, 2010 at 13:03:16
Hi everyone: Have been reading the postings regarding the MD Easter Boot drive and as a victim of muscular dystrophy wanted to comment that unfortunately some negativity has crept in and I am absolutely confident that our awesome firefighters will be able to deal with public concerns in any matter.
I am eternally grateful to the firefighters from Pictou Co. and all over N. America for their selfless dedication and tremendous efforts in making the lives of so many persons like myself a lot easier to live while keeping alive the hope of a cure being found soon. Your selfless acts have saved many lives and property and for all that you do we salute you the firefighters and thank you. Keep up the great work you truly are our heroes -
- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:51:00
I respectfully ask that the editor not delete my posts and re-post my previous posted comments.
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- Bernadette
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:48:49
I would like to personally thank ALL of the Fire Fighters who volunteer their time to help fight Muscular Dystrophy in Pictou County and across the province. I know how dedicated ALL of you are to this very worthy cause. Pictou County has some of the MOST caring fire fighters who not only save lives everyday but they also work to HELP save the lives of individuals, like my father, who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy, by collecting donations to help find a cure, and participating in fundraising events all year round. I can not express the sense of gratitude I feel everytime I go home to New Glasgow during the boot drives and see you ALL working to help families like mine-I take it personally so from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of my whole family THANK YOU-! I look forward to seeing you at the Walk for Muscular Dystrophy in New Glasgow June 28th!
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- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:48:26
The fire truck WAS running at the Sobeys west side store and parked directly in front of the doorway that year, I complained to them about the fumes entering the Sobeys entrance and the strong odor of exhaust. They would not turn the truck off. All I'm asking is that the Trucks are not running in future and moved so they are not a safety hazzard to the general public. I do have my facts straight. I wish you all the best with your fundraising and I will still donate to this worthy cause. I just want it to be safe for the public.
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- Daniel
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:47:48
Wow, this turned into a way bigger problem than it should have been. First off congratulations to all fire depts. for a successful night. To Fresh air please you raised concerns about safety which helped. Finally my comments lol.
I think the fire dept. did a great job addressing Fresh air please comments, at the aberdeen the truck was across the road it had the engine running probably to recharge the battery at the time i was there but so were many vechiles waiting to pick you convergy's workers some of which that were parked in the fire lane. Now that i defended the fire dept. on the westside sobeys there was the truck parked right outside the entrance it wasn't running when i was there both when i went in and an hour later when i came out fresh air you might have been there when it was recharging thier battery but yes it was hard to see people coming out and that is why i slowed down and could stop on a dime if a small child ran out in front of the truck. This is the same as at an accident sence or fire, small child or firefighter coming around a truck to hook up hoses or get gear people should slow down.
thanks to the local fire depts. and fresh air please you all have our safety at mind.
ps. the firefighters that did disagree with you have their right to say what they want just like you did i know it might make ya mad but they could be the sameones saving your life someday. -
- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:46:15
I totally support the Easter MD Boot Drive but have a serious concern.
It is the habit of certain depts to park their trucks in directly in front of businesses doors while fund-raising, blocking the entrance and causing a safety issue. Someone is going to get hit by a vehicle when they have to step around from behind the trucks to get to the parking lot. The fronts of these stores are extremely busy with loads of traffic. Also unfortunately the vehicles are RUNNING and the exhaust fumes aren't pleasant or safe to breathe in. Can the trucks be parked near the entrance to the parking lots and not in front of the doors where people are breathing in the exhaust fumes and passing motorists can have a clear view of people walking to their cars?
I wish the fire depts much success in their fundraising efforts but urge a little common sense and some caution, please make it safe for the customers who support your efforts. -
- James
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:43:45
My name is James McNeil. Iread all the postings. These are all individual comments that come on a very valuable topic.Although repetitive , in nature, they are good points all the way around.That's what makes up a good plan. The general point is that Pictou County firefighters are doing a fantastic job in everthing they do, be it fighting fires or helping fight against this disease called Muscular Distrophy. I have M.D. and head up an organization called The Sunrise Chapter for M.D. . Without the input and help from firefighters we would be very hard pressed to raise monry to fund research and find a cure for this debilitating disease and help us get around so we can become productive people in our society. Again I say that comments, either negative or positive, are needed to have a smooth running program. And again, the bottom line is that firefighters all over Canada and the U.S. are the backbone of our fundraising aaand they are doing a perfect job
Thank you FIREFIGHTERS from all of us victims of neural musculr disorders -
- Firefighter
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:43:43
FreshAirPlz I think you have said enough please move on..........
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- Roy
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:39:21
If you read all the posts from FreshAirPlz he is more encouraging to support the MD pledge than are the ignorant responses by Firefighter from Pictou County.
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- Roy
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:33:50
Whether you agree with MrFreshAirPlz or not he is entitled to his opinion which I can't read because the evening news seems to have deleted it as they no doubt will mine. One more reason for me not to subscribe to this candy assed newspaper that censors anything it doesn't like without a valid reason. I received a call from the News wondering if I would be interested in X number of issues at 20 cents an issue.I told him I wouldn't buy it at one cent an issue.I'm sure this post won't be up long if they even print it at all.
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- huh?
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:29:31
here's another controversy....where is the Trenton Fire Department?
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- Firefighter
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:26:10
I agree with Frank you are a ...
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- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:25:21
Firefighter from Pictou County I knew you weren't man enough to apologize.
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- Frank
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:23:58
no no do not remove the post ....
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- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:22:05
Now that some members of the fire depts are alerted to this problem I would ask that all posts including mine concerning this matter be removed by the editor as it is not my intention to have a negative impact on the hard work that the firefighters do on behalf of worthy causes. I applaud and recognize your hard work and efforts and know full well that you never get the full credit you deserve for the hard work you all do. I only posted the first comment because my concerns fell on deaf ears when the incident happened previously at the Sobeys west side store.
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- West Pictou Co. FF
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:19:40
After what looks to have been a successful first night of MD fundraising at many locations, I want to say a quick word to Fresh Air Plz. Thanks for bringing up a concern. Not everyone may agree (human nature, I suppose), but mentioning it allows the fire depts. the chance to address it. It is unfortunate that some firefighters reacted so angrily and their comments should not be taken as being representative of the many who come out every year for this worthwhile cause.
We look forward to seeing the public on Saturday and thanks to all who support our fundraising...stay safe and enjoy the Easter weekend! -
- STEVE-O
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:16:51
I agree with Amy-There is a place to address your concerns and this wasn't really it- kind of tarnished the whole point of the article....I wonder if the Editor would delete all the comments so we don't take anything away from the good this event does! I will make a call myself to the Fire Halls to make sure the trucks are not running if we can just focus on making the Boot Drive a Successful one for (as Bernadette Mentioned) those people out there that suffer from this disease everyday). THAT is what is important here-I hope everyone can remembert hat when they are reading the news article before they scroll down to the negative comment #1....... Good luck this weekend Guys and Gals with PC Fire Depts-You have my full support and I look forward to seeing you there (please keep the lights on my Kids love seeing them when we go tomake our donation)
Steve -
- Kevin
- - January 18th, 2010 at 12:11:45
good work firefighters, keep it up your doing a wunderful job. Im sure armchair experts can hold their breath for a few seconds as they walk past you into the buildings wherever you are stationed..
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- Just one
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:59:31
There is always someone who has something to say. I like the smell of diesle exhaust. LOL
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- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:56:17
I pointed out two safety concerns which I brought to the attention of the fire dept at the time it happened and also to the attention of a store employee. The firemen did not turn off the trucks. I drove by the store later and the truck was still running and blocking the entrance. My concerns were ignored. My worry was that someone with asthma would have an asthma attack breathing in the exhaust fumes that had accumulated in the entrance way (there was no wind that day and the fumes were building up at the store entrance) Do any of you know how many people in pictou county have asthma?
I also had concerns that someone walking out from behind one of the large trucks exiting the store would step out in front of a vehicle while going to their car laoded with their groceries. The parking lot was very busy with many people that day rushing to do their shopping and there was loads of traffic and kids. My concerns were valid concerns. In return for my expressing my concerns a firefighter here called me a moron and suggested that I don't recognize the hard work of the firemen. His reply was very rude and unfounded as I support not only the Easter MD Boot Drive but also the hardwork and training that all firemen undertake every time they answer a call and put their lives on the line. Just because you are doing volunteer work for a charity does not mean you can ignore safety issues when they are brought to your attention. I repeat I fully support the charity and firemen but will not ignore an unsafe situation that could harm someone. I tried to resolve the issue at the time but nothing happened to correct it.
What do you expect me to do, just walk away and say it isn't my business if I see a situation where someone could get hurt?? I'll keep that in mind next time if I see a drunk driver and you have to clean up the aftermath because nobody bothered to report or stop them. Or a kid playing with matches or a lighter. I'll just turn a blind eye and say Hey it's not my problem. How's that for minding my own business? -
- Just on
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:51:07
If yer talking to me, I never called you a Moron, or an Idiot or a Busybody. I am not a fireman, just a person (A Canadian) with a right to say what I think. I enjoy the smell of Diesle Exhaust. Stick that in your hat.
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- Fighterfigther
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:50:36
FreshAirPlz are you a politician you are all over the place, I hope the county will support the boot drive it is a great thing we have going and I think we got way off topic here.
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- FreshAirPlz
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:47:49
Sooooo, you are calling me a moron because I alert you to a couple of potential safety issues????? That's pretty juvenile.
OK, Let's let ALL the comments stand.
I can't help but wonder if YOUR comments will impact the public's perception of the fire dept and the fundraising efforts. At least I have the public's safety as a first priorty regardless of what you think.
I stand by my comments, the fire truck was blocking the entrance and running, spewing exhaust fumes into the entrance of the Sobeys store. This is a safety issue. -
- Frank
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:47:14
As I firefighter and someone the goes to help out everyyear with a dept truck I have to say when we are ther our truck along with others are not running Yes we may have the lights on but they can run od battery so MR. Freshairolz learn your fact before you decide to have them come out of your mouth...
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- Firefighter
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:44:55
After reading FreshAirPlz comments I have to wonder why we firefighters in this county bother, even when we try to do something good there are goofs like Mr FreshAirPlz that have something negtive to say.
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- firefighter
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:43:14
To Mr FreshAirPlz I think you will find we have the pulbics safty first priorty. We put in countless days of training, and countless sleepless nights at fire calls so the public (which includes you Mr FreshAirPlz) is safe, which I might add we do for free.99.9 % of the people in this county recognize what these Men and Woman do, but there is that .1% like yourself who can not help yourself but to be negtive.So you play the tought guy and let your commonts stand, ....
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- Lynn
- - January 18th, 2010 at 11:39:13
As the mother of an 8 year old boy afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy, I would like to say a big Thank you to all of the firefighters in Pictou County and across Canada for the wonderful support and dedication they give to MD each year. Firefighter's are the backbone of this organization and have been since 1954!! Let's take all this negativity and turn it into something positive by making this year's Boot Drive even more successful than last year! So remember, dig down deep and help us help our loved ones afflicted with this awful disease. Thank you for helping us get one step closer to finding a cure for my son Daniel and all of the other special individuals living with MD.
