MISSOULA — MTN News recently sat down with Missoula Rural Fire District Captain Jason Butler about how their plans for an annual fundraiser had to change because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Currently the MDA and IFF -- we’ve been partnered up with them for about 65 years -- and we’re raising money to our Fill the Boot drive this year which is looking a little different than it has in years past due to the current pandemic," Butler said.
"So, our Fill The Boot that we’re doing this year is actually a virtual Fill The Boot. We will not be out in the streets this year collecting money as we have in years past. We will be doing it through a virtual Fill The Boot effort this year."
He told MTN News that they aren't sure what to expect this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how the annual campaign will look.
"You know, to be honest with you...I don’t really know what to expect we’re kind of in uncharted territory at this point. Obviously the goal has always been the same," Butler said.
"It just looks a little different this year on how we’re gonna accomplish that with this virtual method of doing that," he added. "So, we’re hoping to best or if not do as good as we have in years past."
Butler says the donations will once again be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
"So this goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. And for people who don’t know, children are born with muscular dystrophy -- and also adults can be diagnosed with diseases like ALS and things like that at a later onset -- so the funds that we raise go to support that foundation."
"This has been a partnership for just over 65 years with the International Association of Firefighters and the MDA," Butler said. "We come together to help raise funds for them to assist with treatment for the children that are diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and for medications and things like that for the adults.
You can find links to the Fill the Boot fundraiser on both the Missoula Rural Firefighters Facebook page and on Instagram.
