Windsor firefighters are carrying on a battle begun by a courageous little boy.
Firefighters at Windsor Fire and Rescue's Station #5 presented a $15,000 cheque to the Fight Like Mason Foundation, a non-profit group set up in memory of four-year-old Mason Macri, who died of a rare form of cancer in June 2016.
The check was accepted by Mason's parents, Iain and Chantelle, and younger sibling Mille Bacon Macri. Iain says it's the biggest donation the foundation has received to date.
"Our little man, just like every amazing little boy, wanted to be a firefighter and looked up to these superheroes as his inspiration," says Iain Macri. "They were so incredible with him, and just kind of lent their hearts to Mason during his whole fight."
Macri says the money raised will be used toward their initiatives, including Mason's Power Poles, which consists of purchasing IV poles designed in superhero motifs. The funds will also help support research and development.
The money was raised through a calendar sale started by the Windsor Professional Firefighters Association, which used all the proceeds from sales toward Fight Like Mason. Dan Sementelli, a firefighter who was in charge of the calendar fundraiser, says the goal was obvious.
"We approached them, and we said 'We want to come through for you, we want to present you with a $15,000 cheque when all is said and done,'" says Sementelli. "When we say we're going to do something, we do it."
Sementelli says the selection of their cause was a no-brainer since Mason idolised firefighters.
The Fight Like Mason Foundation's official website has the latest on their current projects.
