Surrey firefighters in British Columbia have received a national award from Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) in recognition of their fundraising and long-standing support for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
Sixty firefighters raised $25,000 for MDC this year, taking Surrey Local 1271’s lifetime contribution to the charity to $266,000.
The campaign earned the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society the 2026 Dr. David Green Award for Fire Department of the Year. The award, named after MDC co-founder Dr. David Green, will be presented to the local at a ceremony in Ottawa in November.
Community support drives annual fundraiser
Surrey Local 1271 President Mike Vincent said the recognition was meaningful to members and their families.
“It hits home with our members,” Vincent said. “They bring out their families and their kids and they engage the community. It’s not easy asking for money with the way inflation is these days, but once people see you’re a firefighter, they’re just glad to come by and drop off a donation.”
Each year, typically over a long weekend, firefighters volunteering with Local 1271’s Charitable Society fan out across 20 locations in Surrey to hold boot tolls at busy commercial sites.
John Watkins, a Local 1271 member who also serves with the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society, said the award reflected the wider commitment of the membership.
“We do this work in the community because we made a commitment to help others when we signed up for this job,” Watkins said. “This award is really a testament to the commitment of our members.”
Dr. David Green Award honors lasting impact
The Dr. David Green Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose dedication, compassion, leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact on Canadians living with neuromuscular disorders.
Green co-founded MDC in 1954 with Arthur Minden. A neurologist, researcher and advocate for the neuromuscular community, he championed better care, research, awareness and inclusion for people living with neuromuscular disorders.
MDC CEO Stacey Lintern said Surrey firefighters “lead by example,” adding that they have encouraged other British Columbia IAFF affiliates to support the charity.
“We’re deeply grateful for their partnership in breaking down barriers for people living with neuromuscular disorders, helping expand access to support, strengthen community connections and advance research as we continue the search for cures,” Lintern said.
IAFF 6th District Vice President Mike Carter also congratulated the Surrey firefighters.
“The recognition of our Surrey members with the Dr. David Green Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of their commitment, generosity and the difference IAFF members can make in their communities,” Carter said. “It’s also a powerful example of the strength of our partnership with MDC and what we can accomplish together across the country.”
Beyond its work with MDC, the Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society delivers food to approximately 75 schools, awards student bursaries and has provided around 400 refurbished laptops to local students. IAFF affiliates raised $1.1 million for MDC last year through boot tolls, rooftop campouts and other community initiatives. Affiliates interested in fundraising can find information and register their initiatives at www.filltheboot.ca.