LAC LA BICHE - Boot drives have long been a way for firefighters around the world to raise money for local charity. On Saturday, Lac La Biche County Fire Rescue Services members filled their boots with their annual fundraising event to raise money and awareness for the community's less fortunate.
Local firefighters greeted motorists in Lac La Biche's downtown core with a friendly smile and an open boot taken from their own bunker gear, ready to accept a donation.
The fundraiser, now running for more than 20 years, also featured a hot-dog roast and a hot chocolate concession in the parking lot of the Bargain Shop, provided by volunteers from the local firefighters' society, Portage College athletics and the local army cadet corps. Santa was also on the guest list for the event that ran into the mid afternoon.
Each year, funds raised at the boot drive go towards the firefighter's Santa's Helpers campaign. Funds are used to purchase toys and other family-friendly items to be put into Christmas hampers and delivered to families in need.
