As a family man, a worker for the City of Ottawa and a Fire Fighter for the Russell Fire Department, Bill Cashman has truly been philanthropic by adding a great task to his crowded schedule. For eight years now, Bill has been a representative for Muscular Dystrophy Canada; a position he has acquired through his Fire Department.

Fire Departments across Canada have been helpful to MDC since it’s start in 1954. Comparable to every great ally, they have provided the organization with a commander in a battle against neuromuscular diseases. Bill Cashman is an exceptional ambassador for MDC and the Russell Fire Fighters have raised lots of funds and community support through the multiple events held by this department.

The boot drive and shamrock campaigns are most popular amongst the Russell Fire Department although they hold many other campaigns throughout the year. As the Chair of the Russell Fire Department, Bill coordinates and organizes all the fundraising campaigns and meetings for MDC within the Russell Fire Department. He has also rejuvenated the boot drive by changing its time from Saturday morning to Friday afternoons, an hour at which collections have been more favorable. Bill motivates and encourages his fellow Fire Fighters to participate in the MDC boot drives and shamrock events, which are consistently successful throughout the years.

Bill has expressed his principal concern to revolve around developing a cure for Muscular Dystrophy but insists in the meantime we have to maintain public awareness. He is determined to have MDC remembered by all. This motivates Bill to strive for better awareness campaigns for him and his Fire Department. He believes getting media attention, and not forgetting this cause is the key to improving public attention.

Thank you for all the work and dedication Bill!

Submitted by: Pamela Musgrave – District Coordinator Eastern ON