CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (March 7, 2025) – Firefighters from Charlotte County Fire & EMS will take to the streets for the annual Fill the Boot campaign, collecting funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on March 7-9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. The campaign will be held at the intersections of U.S. 41 & Cochran Blvd. and Jones Loop Road & Taylor Road.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of MDA, as well as 71 years of support from firefighters nationwide. Charlotte County firefighters will be at these intersections with boots in hand, asking pedestrians and motorists to donate to help transform the lives of children and adults living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other related neuromuscular diseases.
The partnership between the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and MDA began in 1954 when IAFF adopted MDA as its charity of choice. Since then, firefighters nationally have raised more than $710 million collectively for MDA, helping fund over $1 billion in research. These contributions have led to significant medical advancements, including the development of more than 20 FDA-approved treatments for neuromuscular diseases since 2015.
About the IAFF
The International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 340,000 professional firefighters and paramedics who protect 85% of the nation's population. More than 3,500 affiliates and their members protect communities in every state in the United States and in Canada.
About Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA’s mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives.
For information, contact Ashley Turner at Ashley.Turner@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.
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