Airdrie Fire Department and Brewsters to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy

Firefighters to serve food and drinks at Airdrie restaurant to obtain money for genetic disease resaearch

Airdrie diners heading to a local restaurant on Oct. 12 will notice a big change.

The Airdrie Fire Department (AFD) has switched up its annual Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser this year and will be serving at Brewsters Airdrie, Oct. 12.

“We are going to be assisting the waitresses and bartenders, we are trying to get out there any way we can to help out,” said Firefighter Justin Gillis. “They used to do this up in Fort McMurray, and I took the idea from them.”

Muscular Dystrophy, the International Association of Firefighters Canada’s official charity, is a muscular disease that affects the musculoskeletal system and eventually a person’s ability to move.

Previously, the AFD held its Muscular Dystrophy Fundraisers in conjunction with Safeway, but organizers thought it was time to change it up.

“You don’t want to do the same thing over and over again,” said Gillis. “Some guys like to block traffic and get donations that way, but I don’t like that route.”

Brewsters Manager Perry Rebitt says he and his staff are excited about the event.

“It’s a good cause, and we have done some fundraising with muscular dystrophy in the past,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”

Gillis hopes to have about eight to 12 firefighters working in the restaurant and will be asking for donations for the charity, but says he is not interested in ‘hounding’ people for donations.

“We keep an open mind, sometimes it’s tough to make a donation. I am never in anyone’s face to do it,” said Gillis. “I don’t want to put people on the spot and make them feel silly. Airdrie as a whole is a pretty good community. People have no problems handing over some change for a good cause.”

Gillis invites anyone who wants to be served by a firefighter, and give to a great cause, to come out to Brewster’s and have dinner on Oct. 12 from 6 to 11 p.m.