CFD Kicks Off 65th Annual Fill-The-Boot Campaign For Muscular Dystrophy

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago firefighters will be on street corners for the next three afternoons to raise money in the fight against muscular dystrophy, ALS and other related neuromuscular diseases. It’s the 65th year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Fill-the-Boot campaign.

"In its first year, which was in 1953, firefighters in Boston actually raised about $5,000 for the MDA. Last year, more than $22 million was raised by firefighters at more than 1,900 fill-the-boots across the country," said MDA vice-president Adam Cotumaccio.

Cotumaccio said Chicago firefighters raised more than $143,000 last year.Chicago Fire Cmsr. Richard Ford remembers when he was a firefighter out asking people to fill the boot.

"There always was a welcome response. People opened their hearts and they understand they’re helping," Ford said.