By Cathy King
Firefighters are local heroes who help generate revenue and raise awareness about neuromuscular disorders and the need for funding to support Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s programs and services. These local heroes continue to answer Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s 911 call for assistance by continuing to raise funds and awareness to support persons with neuromuscular disorders.
Since its incorporation, Muscular Dystrophy Canada has been supported by more than 800 Fire Departments and Associations across Canada who currently raise over $3 million annually.
Firefighters are Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s largest network of supporters.
Try to imagine for a moment what it would be like to find out that one of your children has just been diagnosed with a life altering and life threatening disorder.
Well that is exactly what happened to not only one, but two Cowichan Valley Firefighters more than 30 years ago.
Both of these men and their families found out that their sons had been diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.
As any firefighter would do, their brothers and sisters in the service took immediate action.
The Mesachie Lake Fire Department Softball Tournament and Auction, which had been started a couple years earlier as a fundraising event for firefighting equipment, now took a dramatic shift in focus. Thus began a long history of raising funds for Muscular Dystrophy Canada and supporting clients and their families living with neuromuscular disorders. This has led to our clients living longer and more independent lives.
The Mesachie Group is made up of firefighters representing nine departments from Ladysmith to Langford. The event is attended by over 75 firefighters and an additional 100-plus people.
The Annual Mesachie Lake Slow Pitch Tournament and Auction has raised an astounding $878,243 for those living with neuromuscular disorders over the last 39 years and has its sights set on reaching our next goal of $1 million. We cannot do it without you!
We welcome your support in celebrating the 40th Annual Mesachie Lake Ball Tournament this year!
We welcome you and your family to attend this event in any capacity you can, including the amazing live auction and beer gardens on Saturday, June 16.
The event includes golf at March Meadows starting at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 15, followed on Saturday, June 16, by the opening ceremony and auction starting at 1 p.m. at Mesachie Lake Hall. There’s also a dinner and dance there at 6 p.m. that day.
We know that not everyone can attend this outstanding 40th year so we also welcome your support here: https://muscle.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/Home.aspx?seid=17174&mid=8&Lang=en-CA in our efforts to make it the biggest and best year thus far.
Cathy King is a Mesachie Group committee member, secretary, and supporter.
