GREAT FALLS — Each year during the Parade Of Lights in downtown Great Falls, members of the Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department work to raise money for a community agency. Firefighters carry boots and parade-watchers are encouraged to drop donations into the boots.
This year, the department voted to donate the money to Eagle Mount Great Falls. Eagle Mount provides therapeutic and recreational activities for children and adults with physical, developmental, and mental and/or behavioral challenges.
Firefighters from Vaughn and Gore Hill also helped with the "fill the boot" fundraiser during Saturday's parade.
Heather Martin, coordinator of operations for Eagle Mount, was very happy for the donation, saying it has been a tough year.
Fire Chief Michael Deshayes says this is just one way that his team supports the community, and added, "We want to give thanks to Great Falls for the support."
From the Eagle Mount website : Eagle Mount Great Falls is a non-profit organization that has been serving Great Falls, MT and surrounding communities since November of 1990. We offer exciting programs that allow infants, youth, adults, veterans, and seniors with challenges (who we call our “participants”) to explore recreation and take on new adventures based on their abilities, not their disabilities. Parents can watch their children grow socially, emotionally, and physically and are given an opportunity to develop a personal support network with each other.
Here is the full text of the press release from the Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department:
- During the parade of lights Black Eagle Fire Department carried boots to raise money for a local agency. This year the department voted to raise for Eagle Mount. Eagle Mount served 200 between the ages of 6weeks to 12yrs, and 60 between the ages of 13 - 17. Heather Martin coordinator of operations was very happy for the funds. Saying it has been a tough year. Chief Deshayes this is our way to give back to the community. We want to give thanks to Great Falls for the support.
