City Council meeting, London’s Honourary Fire Chief Owen McGonigal and representatives from Muscular Dystrophy Canada awarded the London Fire Department top honours and name them National Fire Department of the Year for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Over the past year, Greg Knight, a London fire fighter and ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, along with the London Professional Fire Fighters Association and the London Fire Department organized several fundraising events and raised a total of $60,407.74 making them the top fundraisers in Canada.
Mayor Fontana admires the volunteer service of the fire department. He said, “Congratulations to our fire fighters and to all the men and women who have helped London achieve this award and recognition. The fire service has supported the work of Muscular Dystrophy Canada for more than 50 years and has pledged to continue to assist until a cure is found. London’s fire fighters stand alongside those afflicted with neuromuscular disorders, helping raise awareness and needed funds. Londoners are proud of their compassion and their dedication.”
“Muscular Dystrophy has been a key charity for fire services for many decades. We are extremely excited and proud to receive this prestigious award; however, our sole goal was to raise more funds so that MD Canada can carry on its great work,” said Fire Chief John Kobarda. “While we are honoured to receive the award, we accept it on behalf of all Londoners because the Department, the Association and the fire fighters are the conduit. It’s the London community that truly needs to be recognized, because without the ongoing generosity of Londoners – this award would not be possible.”
“The award is not just given because of the money raised, but also on the awareness you create in your community while supporting our mission,” said Kerri Stocks, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. “The London Fire Department’s dedication to the organization can be seen throughout the community and has become an example for other fire departments.”
Canadian fire fighters have a long history of supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada and raising awareness in the community. The International Association of Fire Fighters made a pledge in 1954 to continue their support until a cure is found.
via City of London
Editor’s Note:
This was announced in late June by Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
(See related articles to the efforts put forth by London Fire Fighters on their personal time)
