Huge dollars were raised for charity this year during annual summer parades.

The Winkler Fire Department raised nearly $7,000 during their boot drive at the Harvest Festival Parade. The proceeds were donated to Central Station Community Centre.

"It's exciting to be a part of this community, I'm continually surprised at the generosity of this community," Central Station Executive Director Bev Wiebe says. "Something as simple as loose change handed out at a parade."

She notes they are honoured to be selected by the department.

"The fire department is volunteer-driven, and I think they understand the purposes here at Central Station," she says. "It was a good combination."

Central Station Executive Director Bev Wiebe accepts a cheque for $6,785 from Winkler Fire Department Association President Mark Enns

In Morden, Corn and Apple Festival parade goers helped raise over $10,600 during the boot drive. The money will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy research in Manitoba.
 
"People watching the parade were very generous," Morden Fire and Rescue Chief Andy Thiessen says.