Boot toll program breaks records this year
Jun 26, 2009 - 09:13 AM
By Parvaneh Pessian
WHITBY -- Rescuing people from burning buildings is not the only task Whitby firefighters can do efficiently when they come together with a goal in mind.
During a 14-hour fundraising initiative, about 40 fire department personnel and their family members managed to raise $25,000 through the boot toll program.
Temporary tolls were set up at a Wal-Mart location in north Whitby, as well as the Thickson Ridge Power Centre parking lot over two days in May. Members of the public were asked to donate any spare change to the cause by dropping money into boots.
"The Whitby Professional Fire Fighters' Association is extremely grateful to the community for their overwhelming support in a time of economic recession," said Harry Agar, co-chairman of the committee that organized the program.
"It is very moving to witness first-hand how generous our community can be during these times."
The main recipient of the funds is Muscular Dystrophy Canada with some of the money also going to Camp Bucko for young burn victims, Bowling for Big Brothers and Sister and Whitby Minor Sports.
Whitby firefighters have raised more than $120,000 in six years through charity initiatives.
Three local children also aided the boot toll fundraising efforts by raising just over $40 through a lemonade stand on their street. Kayla Howard, 10, Mackenzie Jex, 9, and Drew Howard, 6, saw the boot toll in action during a trip to pick up lemonade and decided they wanted to help.
The children handed over their earnings to support the boot toll and were later presented with awards of recognition.
"It was one of the highest donations I've received in the over 25 years I've volunteered at these boot tolls," said Whitby Fire platoon chief Joel Gangemi.
"I think it is really terrific and they should be very proud of their efforts."
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