Miles for MnFIRE Day 7: Harris to Wyoming

Miles for MnFIRE is a walk across Minnesota that raises awareness and much-needed funds for firefighter health. The more than 150-mile journey kicked off on Sept. 13 in Duluth and is making its way through numerous Minnesota communities, including Carlton, Hinckley, Pine City, Rush City, Harris, Wyoming, North Branch, Hugo and Vadnais Heights. The walk ends Sept. 21 at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol in St. Paul.

Day 7

Starting location: Harris, MN
Finish for the day: Wyoming, MN
Miles completed: 17
The weather report: 73 and cloudy with some rain

For seven straight days, Doug Foote and Kyle Bode have walked trails, roads and highways to spread awareness and raise funds for firefighter health. They are physical machines, having now racked up 130 miles of the more than 150-mile journey from Duluth to St. Paul. Still remaining are two days of walking towards the finish line at the Minnesota Fallen Firefighter Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol.

Since they started on Saturday, September 13 at the Duluth Fire Station, Foote and Bode have been bolstered by sheer determination and the loving support they have received from family, friends and the Minnesota communities we’ve visited. But also, by the little discoveries made on the journey that reinforce the unique human connection within the fire service. From people who are, by happenstance, firefighters, to those who are related to someone who is in the fire service.

“In Mahtowa, we met a firefighter who was related to the wife of a fellow St. Paul firefighter,” says Bode. “There’s just a lot of little connections. It motivates you when you hear everyone thanking you for what you are doing.”

Foote agrees, noting that it’s been very fulfilling to embark on this journey again, connecting with firefighters, their families, and other community members.

“What really brought out hope was how much more familiar and informed departments are, from Mahtowa to Sturgeon Lake, Finlayson to Pine City, Harris to Stacy,” says Foote. “Compared to four years ago, the Chiefs and firefighters seem to have a better understanding and appreciation for MnFIRE. We encourage them to use the resources in the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program and also to keep spreading the word of all MnFIRE has to offer. There is hope!”

A few other highlights from today: Bode’s dog, “Kilo,” joined the walk. Kilo is a St. Paul Fire Department support dog and was instantly popular.

We also fielded interviews from the Pioneer Press and FOX 9’s Maury Glover. We’re very excited to keep sharing what Miles for MnFIRE is all about!

As we enter the greater Twin Cities, we’re hopeful the firefighter community and those who support it come out to join Miles for MnFIRE. Either by walking alongside Foote and Bode, or by gathering at the finish line to cheer for them as they finish. For more information about our route, stops and expected arrival times, click here.

And, don’t forget: Miles for MnFIRE is also a fundraiser. Money raised will help provide resources to Minnesota’s 20,000 firefighters. Our goal is $100,000 – and we can reach that with your help! To contribute, click here.

Stay tuned to our blog and follow us on Facebook for more updates along the way.

 

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Thank you Central Raiders Volleyball (Norwood Young America) for fundraising for MnFIRE in honor of First Responder Night! We appreciate your generous support and wish you the best of luck in the rest of your season! 🏐 ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you Central Raiders Volleyball (Norwood Young America) for fundraising for MnFIRE in honor of First Responder Night! We appreciate your generous support and wish you the best of luck in the rest of your season! 🏐Image attachmentImage attachment

Thank you, Tommy's Tonka Trolley for your generosity! We appreciate all who visited and made donations to support Minnesota firefighters. 🧑‍🚒🍨 ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you, Tommys Tonka Trolley for your generosity! We appreciate all who visited and made donations to support Minnesota firefighters. 🧑‍🚒🍨Image attachmentImage attachment+3Image attachment

Thank you to Tommy's Tonka Trolley for generously raising donations for MnFIRE and Schmidt and Salita Law Team for matching the donation amount! Stop by this Sunday, Sept. 28 to enjoy some ice cream and support our mission. 🍦🚒Hi all. Cannot believe the season is coming to an end. The weather is still summer like and the commons is hopping We will be having our last day this Sunday from 11 to 4. As always, ice cream and treats will be free, but we will be asking for a donation that will go to Minnesota Firefighter Initiative. MN Fire raises funds, and is a leading expert on firefighter wellness. They are dedicated to providing the state’s firefighters with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health. Our wonderful firefighters have much higher risks of cancer, heart, disease, and mental health issues. The Law Firm of Schmidt and Salita will match whatever Tommy’s Tonka Trolley donates. The good news is the Viking game is first thing in the morning and for you Packer fans it is an evening game. The weather looks unbelievably good. Here’s the most fun part ——bring the kids. The Excelsior Fire truck will be in front of the Trolley from 1-3 with tours and firefighters there to chat it. We also want to thank our friends at Sebastian Joe’s for donating several tubs of ice cream to make this a successful event. Don’t forget before we close Minnetonka homecoming is on Friday night. We look forward to seeing you this weekend for both events. @sebastianjoes @mnfireinitiative @excelsiorfiredistrict @exclakemtkachamber @exclakemtka @visitexcelsiormn @exploreminnesota @tommystonkatrolley @minnetonkafootball @schmidtsalitalawteam ... See MoreSee Less

Thank you to Tommys Tonka Trolley for generously raising donations for MnFIRE and Schmidt and Salita Law Team for matching the donation amount! Stop by this Sunday, Sept. 28 to enjoy some ice cream and support our mission. 🍦🚒
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