WHY DO ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS HAVE MUSTACHES?

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October 25 fundraiser at Outback Steakhouse to benefit ill child in need of service dog
 

By Jym Bridger
 

October 20, 2011 (El Cajon)--You have probably seen them, all those guys riding around in the fire engines with moustaches. Has anybody told them moustaches have been out of fashion since the final episode of Magnum P.I. in 1988?
 

Yes these guys realize how ridiculous they look, but are doing it all for charity. Every October the El Cajon Firefighters Union sponsors "OctoberStash"--a charity event to help raise money for those in need.

 

This year El Cajon Fire Fighters Local 4603 has joined with the El Cajon Police Officers Association, surrounding Fire Departments and the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise $5,000 toward purchase of a service dog for a 9-year-old boy named Caleb who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Caleb needs a service dog to help him accomplish life’s daily activities and gain some independence. Without the money, Caleb will not be able to get the dog.
 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is characterized by weakness and gradually progresses with no remission. Boys affected by DMD usually will need a wheelchair to get around starting in the pre-teen years to early adolescence and are dependent on others for many things. This usually means getting onto the toilet, into the bathtub or into bed, feeding themselves, and so on, from adolescence into adulthood.
 

If firefighters are able to raise enough money, Caleb will be able to get Curly, the service dog. Curly will help him with standing, picking up items and normal activities including attending fifth grade at Jamacha Elementary. Curly will be ready for Caleb just after Thanksgiving this year, provided he has the money to pay for her.
 

Local firefighters and Police Officers will be growing their moustaches in an all-out contest to raise the $5000. They have created a website and are selling T-shirts, hats and collecting donations. During the month there are several events at local restaurants to help raise more money in the hope of getting Caleb his dog. So far they have been able to raise almost $1000 but still need help reaching their goal.
 

Visit their website at www.elcajonfirefighters.net and click on the Octoberstash link to check out the moustaches and make a tax-deductible donation. You will also find clothing items for sale and information on upcoming events. For any questions please email at Octoberstash@gmail.com
 

A fundraiser is planned for October 25 at the Outback Steakhouse, 722 Jamacha Road in El Cajon from 4:30 p.m. to close. A percentage of sales proceeds will be going to the Octoberstash fundraiser to reach the $5000 goal. Firefighters invite you to join the event and bring your friends.

 


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