Maple Ridge firefighters will soon be hitting the streets to once again raise money for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
The annual Walk and Roll fundraiser has been a long-standing event in the community, operated through a partnership between Maple Ridge resident Stephen Rysen and members of the Maple Ridge firefighters union IAFF 4449.
Rysen, who himself suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, has helped raise tens of thousands of dollars for muscular dystrophy treatment and hopes to make this number even bigger with this year’s event.
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IAFF 4449 president Chris McKee explained that this is a passion project for the union and the Maple Ridge Firefighters Charitable Society, with the group being involved for more than 10 years.
“Firefighters have a long tradition with supporting the fight against muscular dystrophy in Canada,” said McKee.
“Through Muscular Dystrophy Canada, we have helped purchase wheelchairs, hospital beds, leg braces, walkers, respirators, and other life-changing equipment. Donations also help fund research.”
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The Walk and Roll fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 22, at Maple Ridge Park.
Participants will walk or roll their way beside the river, following the path and eventually ending back at the park, where firefighters will be on-site providing food and drinks.
The fundraiser has a goal of $15,000 and is already nearly halfway there, with more than $6,500 being collected.
Anyone wanting to take part in the event can stop by Maple Ridge Park before 11 a.m. on June 22, and donations can be made at muscle.akaraisin.com/ui/WalkRollMDC24/t/MapleRidge.
