Detroit Red Wings Raise Funds for Family of Westland Firefighter

The Detroit Red Wings will host a "Fill the Boot" fundraiser to benefit the family of Dearborn resident and Westland firefighter Brian Woehlke prior to game four of the Stanley Cup Western Conference Semifinals on May 23.

Representatives from the Dearborn Fire Department will be on hand with their boots at each entrance at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit to collect monetary donations from the time doors open at 6:30 p.m. until the puck drops at 8 p.m. All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity.

Red Wings Captain Henrik Zetterberg will personally match all donations collected on Thursday up to $3,500.

"The Red Wings have a long history of supporting our local fire departments with our annual smoke detector collection," Zetterberg said in a press release. "Our thoughts go out to the Woehlke family and we hope to help ease some of their financial burden through this fundraiser."

Woehlke died while battling a Westland fire on May 8. He leaves behind his wife Jennifer and his 13-month-old daughter Ava.

Fans who cannot attend the game, but would like to support the cause can send a monetary donation to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity, P.O. Box 851320, Westland, MI., 48185, or at any of the five Wayne-Westland fire stations. Donations can also be made online by visiting www.local1279.org.

Biggby Coffee donates sales to firefighter fund

The Biggby Coffee located at 37644 Ford Road in Westland will also host a fundraiser for Woehlke's family on May 22.

Between the hours of 6 to 11 a.m., the store will donate 50 percent of its sales to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity.

Owner Mohamad Elfakir said that he believes giving back to the community is the right thing to do.

"I believe strongly in supporting our community, we are all one big family. This was a very tragic loss and I want to help the Woehlke family during this tough time however we can."

For more information about the fundraiser, call 734-326-1468.