FAIRFIELD FIREFIGHTERS AND TRADER JOE’S HOST FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT MDA

FAIRFIELD, July 20, 2006 – Firefighters from the Fairfield Fire Department, IAFF Local 1426, and Trader Joe’s in Fairfield, Conn. will host the Third Annual Trader Joe’s Community Day, on Saturday, July 22 at 2258 Black Rock Turnpike from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Trader Joe’s parking lot, a fundraising event to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. As part of the Community Day, the Fairfield firefighters will conduct a Fill-The-Boot drive throughout the city, collecting donations.

In a collaborative effort with the Fairfield Fire Department to raise money for MDA, Trader Joe’s will hold a barbecue, serving hot dogs, burgers and beverages, with all proceeds from the items sold to be given to MDA. Trade Joe’s Community Day activities also include free face painting for children, fire prevention activities and information, and a chance for visitors to meet local firefighters and tour the firefighter’s fire engines.
The International Association of Fire Fighters is a long time National Sponsor of MDA. In the past two years, the Fairfield Fire Department has raised approximately $24,000 through their Fill-The-Boot fundraisers. This year, the department hopes to raise $15,000 for MDA.

For more information about the Fairfield Fire Department’s efforts to support MDA or to learn more about the Third Annual Trader Joe’s Community Day, contact Phil Higgins or Robert Smith at the Fairfield Fire Department’s office, (203) 366-7055.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a voluntary national health agency – a dedicated partnership between scientists and concerned citizens aimed at conquering 43 different neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans. MDA’s mission is to find effective treatments and cures while providing services to individuals and families affected by neuromuscular diseases. Locally, the Association assists with the purchase of wheelchairs, leg braces, and communication devices, as well as covering the cost of flu shots. MDA also sponsors summer camps across the country for children with muscle-wasting diseases, including one in Spring Valley, N.Y., August 21-26, for Fairfield area kids. For more information about MDA and local activities or how you can get involved, please call the local office at (914) 345-5062 or visit www.mda.org.
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