MFD, Ignite the Spirit partner with Sojourner to raise money for domestic violence survivors

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Fire Department (MFD) is the first to respond to all calls for help in the city.

"We signed on to go when people are having the worst day of their lives, and we're doing that at a pace unmatched in this department's history right now," Chief Aaron Lipski said.

From there, MFD turns to its partners in the community who can help people find the long-term resources they need.

For domestic violence victims, that's the Sojourner Family Peace Center. 

"We serve about 9,000 -- give or take -- people a year, through a variety of doors, but there are far more people who never walk through the door," Sojourner Family Peace Center President and CEO Carmen Pitre said. 

MFD and Sojourner are taking their partnership to a new level.

"Not only are we helping when that 911 call comes in, but now we are helping in a very proactive, feet forward way," Lipski said.

Ignite the Spirit Fund Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization that raises money for firefighters in need, is now raising money to help survivors of domestic violence. 

Ignite the Spirit is selling $25 MFD T-shirts. A portion of the proceeds will go to Sojourner. 

"It's not just a T-shirt that you're buying. You're investing and making sure that people have the dignity they deserve as human beings," Pitre said.

Pitre said proceeds will help survivors achieve safety through shelter, justice through restraining orders, and wellbeing through healing services. 

"Instead of going to bed to the voices and sounds of violence, you get to live in peace with your own pillow, your own bed, your own blanket," Pitre said.

Pitre is hoping the shirts will also expand their reach in the community.

"T-shirts are more than just a fundraising tool. They're a sign of respect," Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said. 

A sign of respect Ignite the Spirit Founder Lt. Joe Flick is hoping will help victims feel safe when they answer their calls.

"When your firefighters walk through the door, when you see a purple shirt, a purple ribbon, know that we're here for you," Flick said.

The shirts are available for pre-order on the Ignite the Spirit website.