'Big Boot' raised $11,408 over the weekend (2 photos)

Sault Ste. Marie Professional Firefighters Association (SSPFA) raised $11,408 on Saturday during their ‘The Fill the Boot’ charity drive for muscular dystrophy (MD).

The funds will stay in the community and go towards helping those who suffer from the group of genetic conditions known as MD that involve weakening of the muscles and in many cases the inability to walk.

Just two weeks ago the charity’s funds were used to help purchase a chair lift for a local family that has a family member suffering from the condition.

On Saturday SSPFA unveiled their ‘Big Boot’, a four foot tall rubber boot they were using to draw people in and collect change with.

“Everyone loved that boot so much now we’re looking to purchase two more. Everyone wanted to either touch it or get a picture with it,” said firefighter-in-charge of the charity drive Chris Plotycia, who spent the day yesterday running around with boots filled up with pocket change.

The next SSPFA muscular dystrophy boot drive will be in the fall however if anyone would like to donate before then, they are invited to arrange to meet up with Plotycia at the main firehall downtown and he will gladly write out a tax receipt.

‘I just want to thank the community for supporting us, the weather wasn’t great but a lot of people came out anyway. Anytime that you can bring in that much in donations hopefully it’s a sign that people in the community are also getting back on their feet and local industry is picking back up,’ said Plotycia.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been edited to indicate the Fill the Boot fundraising drive is undertaken by the Sault Ste. Marie Professional Firefighters Association rather than Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services)