Susan Vital is almost an honourary member of the Nelson Fire and Rescue Service.
Vital is one of many Canadians affected by muscular dystrophy. She has developed a strong relationship with the staff at the local fire hall after helping with their fundraising efforts for over 15 years.
“I’d like to thank the community for their generous donations to Muscular Dystrophy Canada,” Vital said. “Most of all I want to thank the firefighters here in Nelson for the boot drives, the camp outs and the other ways of raising money to help make muscles move. I’m truly so grateful. I love you guys.”
A few years ago Vital was having difficulty getting up and down her stairs to her trailer, Fire and Rescue Services got together Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Maglio’s Building Centre and Home Hardware to build a ramp.
“The firemen all came up and donated their time, and in two days I had a beautiful ramp to go up and down and feel more safe,” she said.
Vital has also received funding for her new scooter to help her get around the community.
“All the money raised by firefighters goes to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, and they donated the scooter through money raised. If there wasn’t money raised by the fire department, there wouldn’t be money in the fund for people like myself and especially children that need special mobility and breathing devices,” she said.
The Nelson Fire and Rescue Service has raised more than $145,000 for people affect by muscular dystrophy.
In addition to Fire and Rescue Service, Vital wanted to thank her occupational therapist Helenora, Tim at Pharmasave for delivering her scooter, and her friend Laura for helping to make her safety flag.