The United Firefighters of Los Angeles Local 112 is raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. (photo courtesy of the LAFD)

The United Firefighters of Los Angeles Local 112 is collecting charitable funds as part of its Fill the Boot fundraiser on April 27-28 from 8 a.m.-noon at locations throughout Los Angeles including The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, as well as Hollywood and Highland and Wilshire and Western.

The Fill the Boot program supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters will continue a long-standing tradition of raising funds to support MDA’s programs to accelerate research, advance care and advocate for families.

The partnership between MDA and the International Association of Firefighters began in 1954 when the IAFF signed a proclamation designating MDA its charity and vowed to continue raising awareness and funds until cures are found. To date, the nearly seven-decade partnership has raised more than $679 million. The funds have led to more than a dozen FDA-approved drugs for those with neuromuscular disease.

“What the IAFF has done for MDA over the past 68 years is unprecedented,” said Donald S. Wood, president and CEO of MDA. “With the support from our partners at the IAFF and UFLAC Local 112, MDA is doing the impossible in accelerating research, advancing care and advocating for people living with neuromuscular disease. We have a mission to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives and we will fulfill this mission together, with UFLAC.”

“Every day, our firefighters go beyond the call of duty,” LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley said. “Partnering with the MDA is a long-standing tradition and it makes me proud that our members have an unwavering drive and passion to be out in our communities collecting donations.”

For information and to donate, visit filltheboot.donordrive.com/team/LAFD.