Local Firefighter "Hangs Out" for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

(June 24, 2004, Cole Harbour, NS) - Steve Hollis, a "courageous" firefighter from the Westphal Cole Harbour Firefighters Association (WCHFFA), will be perched on top of a 100 foot ladder for 50 hours in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC). This weekend celebrates the 15^th anniversary of the Annual Don Crook Memorial Ladder-a-Thon being held at the Sobeys parking lot of the Forest Hills Shopping Centre. The event starts at noon on Friday and ends at 2 p.m. on Sunday. During Steve's time in the air, other members of the WCHFFA collect donations from the public through their boot drives and BBQ sales. Last year, the firefighters raised over $22,000 during the weekend and they hope to top that amount this year.

2004 is a special year for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. They are celebrating 50 years of working to combat over 100 neuromuscular disorders and a 50-year relationship with the firefighters. Since 1954, they have assisted children and adults to obtain mobility equipment, information, and support. Most importantly, MDC has provided hope. That hope has been "fueled" by firefighters since the beginning of their organization.

The Westphal Cole Harbour Firefighters Association has been the biggest supporter of MDC raising over $370,000 since 1983, of which, $235,000 has come directly from the annual 'Don Crook Ladder-a-Thon'. They are a dedicated group of fire fighters that initiate, organize and execute various fundraising activities.

It's because of the ongoing commitment of Firefighters that MDC has so many reasons to celebrate 50 years of making muscles move!

- 30 -

For more information please contact:

Mike LeRue
Media Relations
Westphal Cole Harbour Firefighters Association
902.430.3820