Boston continues to mourn the loss of firefighters Lt. Ed Walsh and Michael Kennedy for their heroic efforts in battling the nine-alarm fire in the Back Bay Wednesday. Bostonians have since left flowers and mementos at Engine 33 and Ladder 15 on Boylston Street to commemorate their lives and ultimate sacrifice. But if you’d like to help out further with the relief efforts for their respective families, those injured alongside them and other fallen firefighters nationwide, here’s a handful of foundations you can donate to.
[UPDATE: 3/29, 1:20 p.m.] 33 to 33
33 to 33 was set up to help raise money for the Boston Firefighters Credit Union’s Lieutenant Walsh – Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund (see: below). Donors are encouraged to contribute $33 in honor of Engine 33, but naturally they’ll accept any amount. You can donate right here. 33 to 33 is aiming for just five percent of Bostonians to donate, hoping to raise $1 million. You can donate right here.
[UPDATE 2:45 p.m.] Boston Firefighters Credit Union
The Boston Firefighters Credit Union has established a Lieutenant Walsh – Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund. Though they’re working on enabling online credit card donations, they’ll accept your charity the old fashioned way.
Be sure to mail your checks to:
Lieutenant Walsh – Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund
Boston Firefighters Credit Union
60 Hallet Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
[UPDATE 1:25 p.m.] Bruins Ticket Auction
According to NESN, our Boston Bruins will be auctioning off two tickets to tonight’s game (that’s TONIGHT, March 27). Promoted on Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAAF’s Facebook page, the auction is for two LOGE 15 tickets and a visit to the broadcast booth with Andy Brickley and Jack Edwards. All proceeds will go to the families of Lt. Walsh and Michael Kennedy. Place your bid here but hurry! The auction closes at 4:30 p.m. and they’ll be contacting the winner by private message at 4:40 p.m.
The Greg Hill Foundation
Created by local radio personality Greg Hill, the foundation comes to the immediate assistance of families affected by tragedy. With a goal of raising $30,000, the foundation has already raised $42,426 at the time of this article. The Greg Hill Foundation has also pledged to match all donations of up to $10,000. You can donate right here.
Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation
Formed in 2003, the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation raises money for burn victims and their families. The Burn Foundation aims to bring lodging, clothing, meals, travel expenses, mortgage/rent payments and holiday gifts, amongst other items, to those subjected to fire injuries. You can donate right here.
Fallen Heroes of Beacon Street Fire
This Indiegogo campaign hopes to harness the power of crowdfunding to better assist the families of Lt. Walsh and Michael Kennedy, as well as the 13 other firefighters who were treated for injuries. With 45 days to raise a goal of $5,000, the initiative is the brainchild of campaign coordinator Eastie Strong and Blythe Berents. You can donate right here.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
A nationwide nonprofit that’s been remembering fallen firefighters since 1992, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has helped drive public programs and build memorials to commemorate those like Lt. Walsh and Michael Kennedy who are killed in the line of duty. The foundation has also launched an initiative to curtail the number of firefighter deaths, aiming for a goal of a 25 percent reduction over a span of five years. You can donate right here.
People are also encouraged to donate money, blood, clothing and other essentials to the American Red Cross Massachusetts chapter, which was on the scene at 298 Beacon Street Wednesday evening volunteering their medical personnel services.
Know of a foundation or relief initiative we missed? Feel free to bring attention to your cause in the comments section below.
Image via Sarah Fisher
