Bill Matthews on the Power of Small Actions
In the world of firefighting, service doesn’t end when the fires are out. For Bill Matthews, a retired firefighter with Canton Professional Firefighters Local 249, giving back is an ongoing mission. On Compounding Change, Bill sat down with host Shannon Davis to share the story of his involvement with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and how small actions, like “filling the boot”, can make a life-changing impact on those in need.
Bill’s journey with MDA began in 1991 when he stood on a street corner, boot in hand, collecting donations. Little did he know, this small act of service would grow into a lifelong passion. “In 1952, Boston firefighters raised over $5,000 using coffee cans, and today, Fill the Boot remains MDA’s largest fundraiser,” Bill explained. Over 70 years, firefighters have raised more than $720 million for research, care centers, and advocacy programs.
For Bill, the cause is deeply personal. Growing up, he saw his mother’s involvement with the March of Dimes after his sister was born prematurely. “There’s a part of me that wants to be involved with this,” Bill recalls. His commitment to MDA goes beyond standing on street corners. He’s organized golf outings, and fundraisers, and has even taken on a state representative role to help other firefighters coordinate their efforts.
The funds raised for MDA go towards improving the quality of life for those with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related diseases. Bill shared a powerful example: “There’s a drug called Spinraza that costs up to $250,000 per injection per child. It doesn’t cure the disease, but it slows it down, allowing kids to do things they otherwise couldn’t.” This is just one of the many ways the funds raised by firefighters make a real difference in the lives of families.
Shannon and Bill also discussed the power of advocacy. “MDA has partnered with airlines to make travel more accessible for those who are wheelchair-bound,” Bill explained. It’s these small, behind-the-scenes actions that make life easier for people affected by these diseases. These steps add up to compounding change over time.
As Bill continues his work with MDA, he’s also expanding his efforts to address mental health challenges within the fire service. “We’re working on an initiative to bring awareness to PTSD and mental health issues among firefighters and police officers,” he said. Bill’s dedication to service and community goes far beyond his years on the job.
Bill Matthews’ story is a reminder that big results come from small, consistent actions. Whether it’s collecting change on a street corner to advocating for others who are saving lives every day on the front lines of fire prevention and safety, his work proves that every little bit counts toward big results with compounding change.
Listen to the full Compounding Change with Shannon Davis podcast, featuring guest Bill Matthews here, and wherever you stream your favorite shows.
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