The annual Altona Fire Department's Boot Drive took place this past Saturday during the Manitoba Sunflower Festival Parade.

Volunteer firefighter, Daryl Rempel shared how things went this year.

"In spite of the rain things went fairly well.  It's the first time in 23 years of myself personally walking the parade route for the boot drive that we have been wet the entire parade.  However, the spectators both those that actually braved the elements and those that took shelter in their vehicles during the parade, we still managed to raise $1,700."

Rempel noted some people came out of their vehicles to drop some money in the boot while others got the fire departments attention with their lights or horn.

He explained the money raised will go towards a local and provincial charity.

"This year we are splitting it between the Manitoba Firefighter's Burn Fund and our local charity this year is the Altona Elks Playland,” stated Rempel.  “We are hoping with this little extra money we were able to collect for them, to put them closer to the top or put them over the top."

Rempel described what the Manitoba Firefighter's Burn Fund is all about.

"Those funds go to help individuals who are unfortunately are burnt in a fire.  Whether it is with skin graphs or some of the money purchases equipment or does research as far as different ways of making artificial skin more compatible."

He added they support the Burn Fund every two years with Muscular Dystrophy Canada also receiving donations.

Rempel said people from the Altona area have used the Burn Fund in the past, making it a valuable organization to the community.

The department is thankful for the support from local residents this year despite the wet and rainy conditions.