Firefighters Boot Drive is Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 13, 2014 local firefighters will take to the streets for the Burn Institute’s 15th Annual “Fill the Boot for the Burn Institute” Firefighter Boot Drive.

What began more than a decade ago as a grassroots effort backed by the fire service, the Burn Institute’s countywide Boot Drive has become a hallmark fundraiser for the organization, raising nearly $200,000 for Burn Institute programs and services in 2013!

Each year, hundreds of uniformed firefighters from fire departments all over San Diego County come together for a common goal, hopping aboard their engines to meet at intersections within their communities to collect donations in their boots during the morning and evening commutes. And each year passing motorists help to fill those boots with their spare change -- ones, fives, twenties – even $100 bills. No matter the economy or weather, San Diegans have always given generously. This year, dedicated firefighters from 44 departments will hit the streets at nearly 100 intersections around the county.

Proceeds benefit Burn Institute fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support programs such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children, 5-17 years. Celebrating its 27th season, the Burn Institute’s unique camp program has provided a safe place for many hundreds of young burn survivors to share their experiences in a supportive camp environment.

Sponsored by the San Diego–Imperial County Fire Fighters Advisory Council to the Burn Institute and the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association, the Burn Institute’s 15th Annual Firefighter Boot Drive is the organization’s largest one-day fundraiser. All of the funds raised through the Boot Drive will stay in San Diego County. As always, the top fire department from each region will win the Burn Institute’s highly-coveted bronze Boot Drive trophy.

“The Boot Drive has become one of the Institute’s most successful events,” said Susan Day, Burn Institute Executive Director. That success is directly attributed to the enthusiastic support of local firefighters, he added. ”The fire service really is the backbone of this organization. As a team we can do great things for the community.”

The Burn Institute is a local non-profit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego and Imperial counties through fire and burn prevention education, burn care research and treatment, and burn survivor support services. For more information call the Burn Institute at 858.541.2277 or visit www.burninstitute.org.