Local firefighters, from left, Dylan Yankee, Vaughn Row, Ryan Creasy and Brett Allan, raised more than $13,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada during the annual "Rooftop Campout" fundraiser this weekend. The four are seen ascending to the roof of Station No. 2 on Friday.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Despite blowing snow flurries and temperatures dipping below freezing at night, four local firefighters braved the elements on the roof of Station No. 2 to raise $13,348.16 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada over the weekend.
Every year local crews support the charity through the “Fill the Boot” or “Rooftop Campout” campaign that has become the largest national fundraiser for the charity that supports people affected by the neuromuscular disorder.
Alongside raising funds to support people living with Muscular Dystrophy and raising awareness of the 160 different types of the disease that affects more than 50,000 Canadians, the annual campout allows local firefighters to build camaraderie.
“These guys work on the same shift together,” explains Dylan Gustafson, director of the Medicine Hat Firefighters Charitable Foundation. “But this is kind of outside of work, so it’s just another opportunity for the guys to get to know each other and have a little bit of fun. And the charity aspect is such a big part of our job.”
On Friday morning four firefighters assigned the service’s ladder truck to begin their campout while wind gusted to more than 50 km/h, providing perfect conditions for a “kodiak moment” holding the charity foundation’s flag while causing havoc to their campsite.
“We haven’t set the tent up, we tried earlier but it almost blew off the roof,” explained Gustafson on Friday. “But the guys are excited.”
“This is such a good cause, supporting muscular dystrophy,” said Brett Allen, who participated in his first Rooftop Campout.
Funds raised will help Muscular Dystrophy Canada provide programs, services, research and advocacy for people affected by the neuromuscular disorder and their families.
“It’s just so good to support them with all their needs by helping provide services and just help them in their day-to-day life, that’s what these donations are for.”
Dylan Yankee said he was inspired to camp out this year after volunteering to collect donations during last year’s event.
“Talking to the guys up top, they had a good time, so I got a chance this year,” said Yankee. “The community sees us all the time, doing calls, training. So when you get an opportunity to show them that we do more than just fight fires and respond to calls, and we volunteer within the community, it’s a good opportunity.”
“It’s something that I’ve wanted to do in my first year and my second year,” said Ryan Creasey. “So pretty excited to get up there now this year with the guys and support this.”
Since the Medicine Hat Fire Services began supporting the annual campout in 1977 they have raised approximately $400,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
