On Thursday March 9, local firefighters will be hitting the streets for the Burn Institute Annual Firefighter Boot Drive. With boots in their hands at intersections throughout the county, they will be advocating for passing motorists to fill those boots with spare change, and any bill denominations to collect donations for the Burn Institute’s fire and burn prevention education and burn survivor support services. Also, throughout the month of March, banners with QR codes will hang at participating fires stations promoting the Boot Drive, and on March 9 banners and signage will include QR codes for a contactless payment option. This is the organizations largest one-day fundraiser of the year with all funds raised staying locally in San Diego County.
“The Burn Institute’s programs help bring smiles back to children, help bring light to a very dark time, help make tomorrow’s obstacles just a little easier to face and help turn burn victims into burn survivors,” said Brooke, a firefighter burn survivor in a press release.
Proceeds benefit the Burn Institute’s fire and burn prevention education programs and burn survivor support services such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children. This unparalleled camp program has provided a safe place for hundreds of young burn survivors to share their experiences in a supportive and nurturing camp environment. In addition, a portion of the Boot Drive donations are used to sustain the Red Line of Courage Fund, designed to provide financial support to members of the fire service who sustain a burn injury while on duty. This unique program assists with the immediate and long-term needs that arise while our local heroes are recovering from the trauma of a burn.
What began two decades 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 over $200,000 for Burn Institute programs and services each year.
If you do not catch a red light or see a firefighter on your commute, you can still donate at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/burn-institute/boot-drive.
